For Immediate Release: December 14, 2001
Contact: #http://carper.senate.gov/~carper/press/01/12/2001
Billions More for Public Education on the Way, Carper Heads to Washington to Deliver More for Schools
WILMINGTON, DE - Public schools are in desperate need of greater funding, charter schools need greater assistance to open and parents should have the choice to rescue their children from failing schools, Senator Tom Carper said. All three are soon to happen when the Senate passes the "No Child Left Behind Act" this week, which authorizes $26 billion dollars to help our public schools.
Carper will hold a press conference on Monday morning before heading by train to Washington to help lead the effort to aid our schools. In exchange for this funding, schools will be held more accountable and must meet strict new standards.
"With the economy stalled, states and cities are finding it more difficult to pay for public education," Carper said. "This bill will be a dramatic step forward to solve many state's funding crises."
An important part of the No Child Left Behind Act is the "Charter Schools and Choice Act" which provides $350 million to expand public school choice and encourage the growth of charter schools. The Charter Schools bill was the first piece of legislation Carper sponsored as a Senator and will soon be signed into law by President Bush.
"Parents need an alternative if their children are trapped in failing schools," Carper said. "Because Republicans and Democrats are working together, soon, more will have that option."
WHO: Senator Carper WHAT: Heads to Washington to Secure Billions for Public Schools WHERE: The Wilmington Train Station, MLK Blvd. in Wilmington, DE WHEN: 11:00 am on Monday, December 17th
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