[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E737-E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL TEACHER DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES W. STENHOLM

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2004

  Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I want to take time to recognize an 
important group of individuals who are being honored today, Tuesday, 
May 4, National Teacher Day.
  Growing up in Stamford, my own teachers played an important role in 
my upbringing. It is one reason why I chose to become a teacher myself.
  Since starting out as a vocational agriculture teacher, education has 
been a passion of mine. That is why I now spend so much time in our 
schools. And I certainly realize the important role that teachers play 
in our children's lives. Our teachers go above and beyond the call of 
duty time after time to help their students learn and be successful.
  I'm happy we take this day to honor those who have chosen to enter 
this profession. It sometimes can be a thankless job. But it is 
rewarding to see the kids grow and mature before your very eyes--even 
after they have left your classroom.
  I am pleased to cosponsor several pieces of legislation that support 
America's teachers, including:
  The LEARN Act (H.R. 1643), legislation that would provide a $2,000 
tax credit to teachers and principals who work in low-income schools.
  Student loan forgiveness legislation (H.R. 1751, H.R. 934 and H.R. 
2811), designed to result in the recruitment of new and talented 
teachers to educate the next generation of students. These bills would 
provide student loan forgiveness up to $17,500 to a teacher who teaches 
for five years in a low-income school, rural school or in high-demand 
subjects such as mathematics, science, special education, foreign 
languages and bilingual education.
  The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 594), which would end unfair 
discrimination against Texas teachers and other public employees who 
currently are denied the Social Security survivors benefit. I strongly 
support this legislation, and have signed a discharge petition that 
would bring H.R. 594 to the House floor for a vote.
  As a former educator and grandfather of three, I will continue to be 
concerned about providing the best educational opportunities to all 
American children. Yet, the successful education of this nation's 
children is inextricably tied to the quality of the teachers educating 
them. We must provide the proper financial

[[Page E738]]

and workforce incentives to retain the dedicated core of education 
professionals who daily shape the hearts and minds of the children of 
West Texas.
  Today we recognize this important and influential group of people. My 
hat is off to our Texas teachers. And I encourage all Americans to take 
time on Tuesday to thank our teachers for the great job.

                          ____________________