Congress Strips Billions from Public Education

NEA President Reg Weaver condemns historic cuts
to college student aid and "No Child Left Behind,"
and first taxpayer-funded national voucher plan

National Education Association President Reg Weaver issued the following statement, denouncing congressional action this week on the Department of Defense appropriations bill, the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill, and the budget reconciliation bill:

"We have witnessed this week the worst assault on public education in American history, with record-setting cuts to student aid, cuts to the so-called 'No Child Left Behind' Act (NCLB/ESEA), and the first taxpayer-funded, nationwide voucher program in the guise of hurricane relief.

"The irresponsible actions of the Republican-controlled House and Senate will touch the lives of every American. In its rush to leave town for the holidays, the Senate and House passed two bills that, if approved by President Bush, will severely injure public education.

"For the first time ever, taxpayers will be forced to pay for a nationwide voucher program as outlined in the Department of Defense appropriations bill. Religious schools will be allowed to receive taxpayer dollars and proselytize, and discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion.

"In a separate action, the Senate passed by voice vote the funding bill for the U.S. Department of Education which cuts education funding for the first time in a decade. The House again concurred with little debate.

"As a result of these two bills, the federal share of special education will fall from 18.6% to 17.8%, or a total of $7 million. Funding for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) or the so-called 'No Child Left Behind' law will be cut by $1 billion.

"While many members of Congress have praised the so-called 'No Child Left Behind" act in their stump speeches, they clearly have little regard for it in this budget. When it came time to match money to their priorities, they cut it by $1 billion, which brings funding below the level provided three years ago.

"At a time when we need greater commitment to public education, and more investment in our children, both the Senate and House retreated from their promises, and didn't support the very act they touted.

"Finally, the Senate made the largest cut in student aid in history, eliminating $12.7 billion over the next five years, making it more expensive for students to borrow for college. Pell Grants, targeted to aid disadvantaged and underprivileged college students, will be frozen for the fourth year in a row.

"This sends a mixed message: Congress cannot ask students to strive for college while it cuts the funding they need to attend college. We must ensure the House hears us loud and clear when it reconvenes. They must stop the raid on student aid and reject the Senate's version of the budget reconciliation bill.

"Great public schools are a basic right of every child. Senate and House action this week, coming mere hours before adjournment for the holiday season and with little debate, steals the promise of a quality public education and a great public school from America's students. This is public policy at its worst. Today is indeed a sad day for children and students, and a devastating blow to public education."

Posted December 23, 2005