[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E583-E584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BONDS LEGISLATION

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction 
of my legislation to assist fast-growing states to build new schools, 
reduce class sizes and overcrowding and foster an orderly and 
disciplined learning environment. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
signing on to this important legislation.
  As the former Superintendent of North Carolina's schools, I know 
firsthand how important quality facilities are to our children's 
education. The General Accounting Office has identified more than $112 
billion in school construction needs across the country. The Secretary 
of Education has reported that the ``Baby Boom Echo'' will create an 
explosion of growth in the school-age populations in many states over 
the next ten years. Congress must assist these states to meet their 
school construction needs of the coming decade.
  My bill will create $7.2 billion in school construction bonds over 
the next ten years. The school bonds will be allocated to the states 
based on the growth we know they will experience in the coming decade. 
The Etheridge bill

[[Page E584]]

will complement the Administration's $19.4 billion school construction 
initiative by targeting resources to growing states. My bill is fully 
paid for using the offset others would use to fund the misguided 
Coverdell private school voucher scheme.
  The simple fact of the matter is that our growing states need help to 
build quality schools in which to educate our children. This Congress 
must do its part to assist the states that have the greatest needs. My 
bill targets resources to the states that will experience the greatest 
growth over the next decade. The Etheridge bill will provide more than 
$100 million each to the top 17 fastest growing states; slower growing 
states will qualify for lower amounts. My state of North Carolina will 
qualify for about $360 million in school construction bonds under this 
legislation.
  No child in America should be forced to attend class in a trailer, a 
closet or any other substandard facility. The Etheridge bill will help 
address this problem, and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill.

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