[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE PUBLIC SCHOOL MODERNIZATION ACT

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 4, 1999

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1660, the 
Public School Modernization Act. It is time for Congress to take action 
and make an investment in the future of America, our children. This 
legislation will provide significant help to local school districts in 
meeting their needs both to build new classrooms to keep up with 
skyrocketing school enrollments and to renovate and modernize their 
existing facilities.
  Overall, California alone projects a $20.1 billion five-year cost for 
school modernization, including $11 billion for modernization and 
technology upgrades of old facilities. These technology upgrades 
include very basic amenities such as additional electrical outlets, and 
telephone jacks for internet connection.
  Additionally, California will need $4 billion just to build new 
facilities to accommodate growing enrollment. California would get just 
over $3 billion under the Public School Modernization Act. This bill 
will provide $24 billion in interest-free funds for school 
modernization projects and deserves our support.
  According to the Committee for Education Funding, the Republican 
education agenda is projected to cut over $3 billion from the 
Department of Education's budget including a $1 billion cut from Title 
I funding, a program aimed at supporting children in poverty. Funding 
will also be slashed dramatically for Federal Pell Grants and the Head 
Start Program.
  It would be prudent to cut funding for wasteful defense programs, and 
unnecessary manned space exploration. It is time to make a significant 
improvement in the education of our children. I urge my colleagues to 
support HR 1606. Our children's future depends on it.

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