[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 22928-22929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 THANKING FORMER GOVERNOR JAMES B. HUNT FOR HIS LEADERSHIP ON EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 17, 2005

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, James B. Hunt--the four-term Governor of 
North Carolina, is not only a model public servant, a proud democrat 
and a long-time dear friend, he is the rare visionary who actually 
knows how to implement his vision and get demonstrable results.

  The ``No Child Left Behind Act'' was an historic bipartisan 
achievement for our Nation. And it was a signal accomplishment for 
President Bush and Members on both sides of the aisle in Congress.

  But the fact is, governor Hunt was in the vanguard of the movement 
for education reform in the States and his hard work helped inspire the 
enactment of this important Federal law.

  When it comes to education, Jim Hunt not only put North Carolina on 
the map, he has helped move the Tarheel State toward the top of the 
heap.

  His smart start program--a public-private partnership in each of 
North Carolina's 100 counties--helps provide quality child care, health 
care and family support for each child who needs it.

  The ``Judy Centers'' in Maryland--named for my late wife, who was a 
strong advocate of early childhood education--provide many of the same 
services.

  Jim Hunt helped set up North Carolina's primary reading program. He 
helped reduce class size, and create a dropout prevention program.

  And, he established the State's school of science and mathematics, 
the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina, and the North Carolina 
Biotechnology Center.

  He also helped put in place one of the most rigorous, approaches to 
measuring student performance, requiring mastery before promotion and 
graduation and providing assistance to turn around failing schools.

  When it comes to education reform that gets results, no one in 
America has had a more profound impact than Jim Hunt.

  He didn't just claim victory after signing these initiatives into 
law. He demanded--and received--results.

  For example, The Rand Corporation reported that North Carolina Public 
Schools improved test scores more than any other State in the 1990s.

  And, the 1997 national education goals report showed that North 
Carolina had the most impressive improvements toward reaching 
educational goals outlined by the panel, and made significant progress 
in science and math.

  But Governor Hunt's contributions have been felt far beyond the 
borders of North Carolina.

  They have been felt throughout the Nation.

  As the founding chair of the national board for professional teaching 
standards, Jim Hunt has been a driving force in improving student 
achievement by raising teaching standards.

  Quite simply, the national board helps teachers improve their skills, 
so that they can better serve their students.

  Governor Hunt has always recognized that the key to a first-rate 
education is first-rate teaching.

  And, through the national board he has helped raise the bar, striving 
to give professional educators the respect and training that they 
deserve.

  Finally, let me say that Jim Hunt has always understood and focused 
on the nexus between educational achievement and economic success.

  Today, figures from across the political spectrum--Bill Clinton, Newt 
Gingrich, Bill Gates and the U.S. Chamber--recognize and are talking 
about that nexus.

  ``We are living in a world,'' said President Clinton, ``Where what 
you can earn is a function of what you can learn.''


[[Page 22929]]


  This issue, the centrality of education and knowledge in today's 
global economy, unites all of us.

  And Jim Hunt has recognized that for more than 25 years.

  A few years ago, the Raleigh News and Observer stated that, ``Jim 
Hunt served his State with practical accomplishment and with forceful 
leadership in times of crisis. Of that, he, and we, can be proud.''

  Governor Hunt is a trailblazer who has lit the path to personal 
fulfillment and professional accomplishment for literally thousands of 
North Carolinians and men and women all across this Nation.

  His insight has been invaluable. His determination has been 
essential. And his leadership has been practical, productive and 
profound.

                          ____________________