[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 8 (Monday, March 1, 1999)]
[Page 309]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Radio Remarks on the Kennedy-Murray Amendment to Proposed Education 
Flexibility Partnership Legislation

February 25, 1999

    This year, we have a remarkable opportunity to work together across 
party lines to bring true progress to America's public schools. I 
welcome the idea of greater flexibility for States and school districts, 
and I urge the Senate to pass the so-called Ed-flex legislation, because 
it provides for greater flexibility and greater accountability. But we 
must do more to give our children a world-class education. That's why I 
also strongly support the amendment to the legislation proposed by 
Senators Kennedy and Murray to continue the national commitment we began 
last year: to hire 100,000 new teachers and to reduce class size all 
across America. Studies confirm what every parent already knows: smaller 
classes make a big difference, from improved test scores to improved 
discipline. The Senate should pass the Kennedy-Murray amendment and give 
our Nation's children the individual attention they deserve in the 
classroom and the better future only a good education can bring.

Note: The President's remarks were recorded at approximately 2 p.m. in 
the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ, for later broadcast. The 
proposed education flexibility partnership legislation is S. 280. A tape 
was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.