    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 20, 1998]
    [Pages 816-817]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Returning Without Approval Legislation on Public
    Education in the District of Columbia
    May 20, 1998

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I am returning herewith without my approval S. 1502, the ``District
    of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act of 1998.''
        If we are to prepare our children for the 21st Century by providing
    them with the best education in the world, we must strengthen our public
    schools, not abandon them. My agenda for accomplishing this includes
    raising academic standards; strengthening accountability; providing more
    public school choice, including public charter schools; and providing
    additional help to students who need it through tutors, mentors, and
    after-school programs. My education agenda also calls for reducing class
    size, modernizing our schools and linking them to the Internet, making
    our schools safe by removing guns and drugs, and instilling greater
    discipline.
        This bill would create a program of federally funded vouchers that
    would divert critical Federal resources to private schools instead of
    investing in fundamental improvements in public schools. The voucher
    program established by S. 1502 would pay for a few selected students to
    attend private schools, with little or no public accountability for how
    those funds are used, and

    [[Page 817]]

    would draw resources and attention away from the essential work of
    reforming the public schools that serve the overwhelming majority of the
    District's students. In short, S. 1502 would do nothing to improve
    public education in the District of Columbia. The bill won't hire one
    new teacher, purchase one more computer, or open one after-school
    program.
        Although I appreciate the interest of the Congress in the
    educational needs of the children in our Nation's Capital, this bill is
    fundamentally misguided and a disservice to those children.
        The way to improve education for all our children is to increase
    standards, accountability, and choice within the public schools. I urge
    the Congress to send me legislation I have proposed to reduce class
    size, modernize our schools, end social promotions, raise academic
    standards for all students, and hold school systems, schools, and staff
    accountable for results.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    May 20, 1998.