Political Quotes

“I am pleased to join so many of my colleagues today in supporting S. 1150, the Goals 2000 Educate America Act. This bill has been developed in a bipartisan manner by distinguished Senators on both sides of the aisle who care very deeply about the quality of education in our Nation. And the result of that hard work and cooperation is an eminently reasonable bill that makes the Federal Government a better partner with States and localities in improving public education in this country, while allowing the most important decisions on the direction of educational reform to remain where they should be--right with our States and our communities. Mr. President, during the time that I was privileged to serve the people of Virginia as Governor, I made education a top priority. By making many tough choices, we were able to put a billion dollars in new money into public education. We raised teacher salaries and toughened standards, created the first year-round Governor's Schools for the Gifted and the Commonwealth's first electronic classroom. Our students responded, Mr. President, with test results which surpassed the national average in every category for the first time ever. I recall, as Governor, testifying before congressional committees, and asking, not for more Federal dollars, but for freedom from more Federal mandates. This bill is not another Federal mandate, Mr. President.”