[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H8601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1020
         ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE MAJORITY'S HIT LIST

  (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, next Monday I will visit an 
elementary school, Franklin Elementary School, which is in my district 
in Houston. This is a school which demonstrates the need for a Federal 
role in education.
  The schools in my district are not wealthy. They rely on Federal 
education dollars to supplement the State and local funding that they 
receive. Because of the funding problems that are all too common around 
the country, not just in Texas, the State and local money just is not 
enough to provide these children the education, the facilities, and 
resources these children deserve.
  And yet, these kids, their parents, and their teachers kept plugging 
away. In 1994, the percentage of the students passing a State exam was 
35 to 59 percent. In 1995, the percentage rose to 75 to 89 percent. How 
did this happen? With a dedicated principal, hard-working teachers, 
involved parents, and extra work on Saturdays, the students did it.
  This is an inner-city school that receives chapter I funds. This is a 
school in which 98 percent of the students receive subsidized breakfast 
or lunch. In response to their commitment and success, the majority is 
cutting their funding. And I would like to say: ``Welcome back, kids. 
Along with the seniors, you are on the majority's hit list.''


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