NEA Praises Senate
Rejection of Vouchers

Lawmakers support D.C. students
by blocking end run around legislative debate

Washington, D.C. - The National Education Association welcomed the Nov. 18 decision by the United States Senate to strike a proposed school voucher program from legislation funding District of Columbia public schools and other operations. NEA praised Senate leaders for sending a strong message to the House of Representatives that such schemes do nothing to improve education opportunities.

Research clearly demonstrates that vouchers have little effect on improving student achievement. Vouchers, which offer no real "choice" for the overwhelming majority of students, also go against the will of the D.C. electorate.

Senate lawmakers, recognizing that they have never put D.C. vouchers to a vote, wisely concluded that inserting the plan in a must-pass funding bill would create an end run around the legislative process.

Rather than experimenting with programs found to make no real difference in student achievement, Congress should focus on providing students with the proven tools for success, including small class sizes, more parental involvement, up-to-date books and technology and quality teacher training.

NEA remains deeply committed to a final funding package for fiscal 2004 that would reject unproven voucher schemes, protect our nation's workers and close gaps in funding for critical education programs.

November 18, 2003

For more information, contact:
Anjetta McQueen, NEA Public Relations 202-822-7251 amcqueen@nea.org
Kathleen Lyons, NEA Public Relations 202-822-7213 klyons@nea.org

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.