[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 21 (Thursday, March 5, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORT EDUCATION FOR A MODERN WORKFORCE: OPPOSE VOUCHERS

  (Mr. LEWIS of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, there is nothing more important 
than giving every child a chance for good education. Our economy is 
changing and technology is more important than ever. We must prepare 
our students to compete in a growing, global economy. That is why 
Democrats want to strengthen our public schools, build and renovate 
more than 5,000 schools, reduce the class size to 18, hire over 100,000 
teachers, and ensure that every child has a chance to get ahead in our 
society.
  What do Republicans propose? Just yesterday the majority leader came 
to this floor and suggested draining funds from our public schools for 
private school vouchers. This plan would weaken our public schools; it 
would help the few and deprive the many. That is the Republican plan. 
It is not right, it is not fair to the majority of our students, it is 
the wrong road to travel.
  Mr. Speaker, we must support strong public schools for every student 
in America.

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