|
National PTA Delivers Education Funding
Message to White House and Congress
Parent Teachers Association
For more articles on disabilities and special ed visit
www.bridges4kids.org
and www.educationnews.org.
More than 1,000 postcards represent the country's PTA's
members urging federal assistance to America's public schools
Washington, DC (September 24, 2002) - National PTA delivered
more than 1,000 postcards to the White House, Majority Leader
Tom Daschle, and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, urging
them to fully fund quality public education.
Through these postcards, which were collected at National
PTA's annual convention and are representative of the
countless more mailed directly to the nation's leaders,
parents from across the country are urging the President and
congressional leaders to provide the funding desperately
needed for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) and the recently enacted No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA).
National PTA's message is simple. We ask our leaders to:
* Provide $2.5 billion in mandatory funding for IDEA
* Add at least $6.5 billion to NCLBA to meet the authorized
levels
* Oppose vouchers and education tax subsidies
National PTA applauds congressional leaders for their efforts
to make education a high priority and to support improved
student achievement and increased accountability, but critical
resources are needed to help states and schools meet the
requirements set forth in IDEA and NCLBA.
National PTA is sending a message from this country's parents
that Congress needs to keep its promise and commitment to
provide its share of the funds needed for the education and
services for children with special needs. National PTA's
message also emphasizes that vouchers and education tax
subsidies do no nothing to improve public schools. Instead,
they divert federal funds that could otherwise be used to
adequately fund public schools.
A sustained national commitment to increase federal spending
for education is more critical than ever for strengthening our
nation's economy and ensuring a quality education for all
students.
With more than 6 million members, National PTA is the largest
volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States.
Since its founding in 1897, National PTA has prided itself in
being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for
parents, and a strong advocate for public education.
Membership in National PTA is open to anyone who is concerned
with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
For more information about National PTA, visit www.pta.org or
call (800) 307-4PTA (4782).
|
