[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H5027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORT EDUCATION AND MIDDLE-CLASS TAX RELIEF

  (Mr. ETHERIDGE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call on my colleagues in this 
House and the negotiators on the tax bill to put support for 
educational opportunities and tax relief for middle-class families at 
the top of their priority list. As a former two-term State school 
chief, I know firsthand how important education is to our children's 
futures.
  In this modern economy, high school diplomas are no longer enough to 
ensure workers can achieve economic success. We must support 
opportunities for lifelong learning. Education is a journey, not a 
destination.
  Unfortunately, according to the Education Department, the 
Republicans' tax bill would shortchange 186,000 North Carolina students 
out of relief from educational expenses. In addition, the tax bill the 
House passed would actually raise taxes on some college students and 
penalize retired teachers, and that is absolutely wrong.
  Today, college students from across this country are rallying here at 
the Capitol to protest tax policies that shortchange them. We must heed 
their call and pass meaningful tax relief for education.
  Mr. Speaker, I call on this Congress to support educational 
opportunity for all of our children and meaningful tax relief to 
middle-class families.

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