[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LLOYD JACKSON

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I would like to take a 
moment to recognize a fellow West Virginian who has devoted himself to 
the service of our State and the advancement of our education system. 
As a former college president, I know how invaluable education is to 
building our communities, growing our economy, and raising and 
inspiring the next generation. I commend West Virginia State school 
board member Lloyd Jackson for his enduring commitment to such an 
important cause.
  My friend, Lloyd Jackson served as a State senator for 12 years and 
he has been a leader in improving both the early and higher education 
systems of West Virginia. While a senator, he was the primary sponsor 
of the PROMISE scholarship legislation, a merit-based financial aid 
program that has helped thousands of West Virginians afford college.
  He has also been a vocal advocate for prekindergarten care, and his 
dedication has led to vast improvements in our State's preschool 
education. He began his fight through personal experience; his wife had 
to drive their children long distances to a private day care because of 
the lack of access in their area. Mr. Jackson believed that all 
children should have the same chance to receive a quality early 
education.
  As State senate education chairman, Mr. Jackson championed 
comprehensive early childhood legislation. In 2002, he helped create 
West Virginia Universal Pre-K and put the State on track to have 
universal access by 2012. Thanks to his efforts, West Virginia is today 
considered a leader in providing public and universal preschool 
education. In the 2011-12 school year, over 15,000 children were 
enrolled in prekindergarten, and this year every 4-year-old in the 
State will have access to quality schooling. In a 2011 report, West 
Virginia ranked fifth in the Nation in preschool access for 4-year-olds 
and fourth in spending on prekindergarten programs.
  Lloyd Jackson has fought long and hard to make sure our children are 
receiving the education they deserve. I applaud his commitment to 
education, and I am proud of the success he has helped West Virginia 
achieve. Providing our children with a strong education is the greatest 
investment we could make in the future of our State and of our Nation. 
Lloyd Jackson deserves our appreciation, and I am proud to have worked 
with him for years and I am delighted to congratulate him for all he 
has done for education in West Virginia.

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