[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUCCESS IN AMERICA BEGINS IN THE CLASSROOM

  (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, every American child has a right to a 
quality education. Yet our education system, as a whole, has been 
failing to deliver, particularly to minorities.
  For example, 63 percent of nonurban fourth graders can read at a 
basic level, while only 43 percent of urban fourth graders can meet the 
same standards. And the dropout rate for African American students is 
about 15 percent, while the Hispanic student dropout rate is between 30 
and 35 percent.
  Republicans believe educational opportunities should be the same for 
all children regardless of race, religion, or economic background. That 
is why I support H.R. 7, the Education Savings and Excellence Act. This 
legislation helps parents put aside money tax free for their children's 
education. This money may be spent on tuition, a computer, or even a 
tutor. Best of all, 76 percent of all the children who will benefit 
from the ESAs currently attend public schools.
  Success in America begins in the classroom. Let us give all children 
an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Let us pass H.R. 7.

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