[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H7435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H7435]]
                      DOLLARS TO THE CLASSROOM ACT

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, in a recent survey of its members, the 
Association of American Educators found that 82 percent of the teachers 
surveyed supported consolidating Federal education programs, sending 
those funds in a formula grant to the States, just what the Dollars to 
the Classroom Act does.
  I would like to share with my colleagues some comments from teachers 
who support this approach:
  ``The Federal Government should quit dictating to local communities 
what should be taught to children, mainly because the Federal 
Government is totally out of touch with reality.'' Kansas City, 
Missouri.
  ``It is time we realize that no one program can meet the needs of 
every region.'' Oklahoma City.
  ``I am all in favor of localizing control of school budgets. Local 
educators are professionals with the training and experience to make 
the best decisions for their schools.'' Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  ``When layers of bureaucracy can be eliminated for the benefit of the 
school and students, then we should all be pleased. However, this calls 
for added input from the parents and communities involved.'' 
Charleston, South Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker, those are the thoughts of teachers around the Nation. 
Colleagues, it is time to send dollars to the classroom.

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