Robert Neeld
Democrat for Congress
The Issues
Public education has always been the bedrock of our free society.
But because of George Bush and the Republicans who control Congress,
our public education system now finds itself in great jeopardy.
This is a tragedy of national scope because public schools have
been among the most important assets of this great nation -- and
because our success in providing a quality education for our children
determines the nation’s future.
Unlike Republicans, I’ll fight hard to make sure that our
district’s public education system succeeds. As your next
US Representative, I will vote to insure that all children, regardless
of their economic status or disadvantages beyond their control,
get the education they need and rightfully deserve to succeed.
Remember Bush’s pledge that “No Child Would Be Left
Behind?” Unfortunately, his commitment – and that
of the Republicans in Congress -- hasn’t matched the promise.
Over the past two years, Bush and Republicans in Congress have
under-funded No Child Left Behind by $7.8 billion, leaving the
promise of a quality education for every child in Florida and
America an empty one.
Take a quick look at the cuts Republicans have made:
- $304.4 million less for aid to poor school districts in Florida
through the Title I program.
- $33.6 million less for “Impact Aid” to Florida
school districts with high percentages of military families.
- $16.9 million less for training and hiring Florida teachers.
- $15.9 million less for educational technology in Florida.
- $9.9 million less for innovative programs to improve student
achievement in Florida.
- $2.4 million less for rural education in Florida.
- $11.3 million less for the Safe and Drug Free Schools program
in Florida.
- $6 million less for bilingual education in Florida.
As your Representative in Washington, I’ll fight hard
for all of the funding necessary to make quality public education
a reality. I’ll also oppose Republican plans to slash technology
training and much needed after-school programs. And I’ll
vote against the use of education vouchers that drain money away
from our public schools, especially at a time when our public
schools need it the most.
In Congress, I will join with my Democratic colleagues in support
of public school choice programs, public charter and public magnet
schools that provide parents and students with educational options.
I will also study any initiative that results in higher standards
of accountability for all public schools, and teachers, to improve
America's public education system. I will also fight to expand
and improve the federal role in making higher education more accessible,
especially to students from low-income families.
As your Representative in Washington, I will make good on my promise
that, indeed, no child will be left behind.
To read what the National Education Association has to say on
the subject, click
here.
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