[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 41 (Friday, April 15, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE DAN ROSTENKOWSKI

                                 ______


                         HON. DAN ROSTENKOWSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 1994

  Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of 
H.R. 6, Improving America's Schools Act.
  Providing our children with a quality education is one of the most 
important responsibilities we have as a Nation. America's future 
economic welfare depends on having a well-trained, well-educated labor 
force capable of maintaining and advancing the competitive position 
which the United States currently enjoys.
  H.R. 6 will reauthorize Federal programs under the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act which will help local school districts break 
down the barriers that have too often prevented our children from 
obtaining the education they deserve. The bill will fund drug-free 
school programs, help special education and low-income students, and 
train the teachers who work with these at-risk children.
  The chapter 1 program is one of the most important ways in which the 
Federal Government assists low-income children. I am pleased that the 
formula has been revised so that more funds will go to the school 
districts with the largest indigent populations. Under the new formula, 
the Chicago School District will receive over $173 million over the 
next 2 years to help educate its large population of poor children. 
Chicago will also receive $17 from the chapter 2 block grant program 
for teacher training, library resources, technical assistance, and 
innovation and flexibility; $4 million for Chicago Magnet Schools; $4 
million for drug-free school programs; $4 million for immigrant and bi-
lingual education. These Federal funds will enable local districts like 
Chicago to better meet their responsibilities in educating our 
elementary and secondary school children.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6. By giving full 
support to our education system, we are making a strong commitment to 
the future of our children and our Nation.

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