News Release

Statement by National Education Association President Reg Weaver on 2004 Federal Spending Legislation

"Federal spending approved by Congress today still falls far short of the promises made to the nation's schools under the so-called 'No Child Left Behind' Act.

"Federal education programs received their smallest increase in six years.  Schools charged with raising student standards and achievement will receive $7 billion less than what was called for in the NCLB law.

"The vote allowing private-school vouchers in District of Columbia schools demonstrates misplaced priorities for public education funds.  Research confirms what parents and teachers already know:  reducing class size and enhancing teacher quality make the real difference in the education of our children.  It is wrong to divert scarce resources from public schools that are open to all students, and gamble them on private institutions not fully accountable to the public.

"The final agreement also fails to protect the rights of millions of workers to earn overtime pay.  Many of our education support professionals are underpaid.  They may have relied on overtime to supplement their earnings, and losing that opportunity prevents these employees from fully supporting themselves and their families.

"States and school districts, many strapped by severe budget crises, are working hard to make it possible for every child to be successful.  But the gap is growing between what the federal government is providing and what is needed to get the job done.

"As the president puts the final touches on his fiscal 2005 plan, the National Education Association, on behalf of 2.7 million educators, urges him to fully fund Title I for disadvantaged children while taking care not to shortchange other vital education programs such as rural education, after-school activities and safe- and drug-free schools."

January 22, 2004

For More Information:
NEA Communications: 202 822-7200

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