[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PUBLIC EDUCATION REINVESTMENT REINVENTION AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
join my colleagues in highlighting some important aspects of the Public 
Education Reinvestment Reinvention and Responsibility Act.
  This legislation, often referred to as the Three R's, would refocus 
our national education policy by giving school districts the money and 
local control they need to improve. And, it demands that they get 
results.
  This bill is the way to help American public schools be a true path 
to equal opportunity for all students by closing the achievement gap; 
improving teacher quality; helping immigrant students master English; 
promoting public school choice; and stimulating local initiatives.
  It will increase public education funding by $35 billion in the next 
five years and let local schools spend more time with our children, 
rather than wasting time applying for the same grants year after year 
by consolidating about 50 federal programs into 5 performance-based 
grants. This new process would ensure a strong stream of funding with 
fewer strings attached. In exchange for this increased investment and 
fewer strings, states and schools would be held accountable for 
results.
  Although increased funding is a critical component to reform, it is 
not the only one. If we expect states to meet high standards for 
students, we must give them broad flexibility and strong incentives to 
try bold new ideas--returning the power to decide how to best educate 
our children to the teachers who spend the most time with them.
  Because education should be a national obsession, as well as a local 
possession.

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