FOR RELEASE
July 15, 1998
Julie Green
(202) 401-3026
STATEMENT BY U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RICHARD W. RILEY
On the action of the House Appropriations Committee
The House Appropriations Committee yesterday ignored the American people's call for serious educational improvements by passing a bill that fails to address some of the most critical needs of our children, teachers and schools. This is not a serious appropriations bill to prepare students for the 21st century.
At a time when thousands of schools need to be built and repaired; when many students need extra help learning to read; when computers are essential to students' success in the 21st century, and when states are working hard to raise standards, it is irresponsible not to invest in these critical education needs. The Committee yesterday acted against the interests of millions of children, parents and teachers by making deep and painful cuts in the President's proposals for school improvement.
The President and I will continue to fight for the practical investments our schools need to enable our children to succeed in the Information Age.
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