Ron Kind: “I rise in support of H.R. 3061 the FY2002 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill. I am pleased…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3061 the FY2002 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill. I am pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle came together to provide an increase of $12.5 billion over FY2001 program level. This legislation makes education a priority. It provides an increase of $6.7 billion over last year's education appropriation bill and includes a discretionary education appropriation of $48.9 billion. Furthermore, I am happy with the recent passage of H.R. 1, the No Child Left Behind Act. While this bill encompasses many reforms, one issue in which I was actively involved in during committee consideration of ESEA was improving professional development for our teachers, principals, and administrators. This year, the Teacher Quality State Grant received $2.85 billion, a 31% increase over last year's appropriation. I will continue to push for increased funding for professional development; our school leaders are critical to our children's success in the classroom. Educating our youth should be our nation's number one priority. Regarding health issues, I am a strong supporter of doubling the budget for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by fiscal year 2003, and complement the committee for providing an additional $3 billion. Congress' bipartisan support of medical research has led to substantial improvements in the health and well being of every American.”