Chicago, IL ---- U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-1st) joined Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) in pledging his commitment to turn up the heat on President Bush and demand greater funding for the "Leave No Child Behind" education bill. Today's press conference, which took place in the Rep. Rush's District at the Andrew Carnegie Elementary School, was attended by several other elected officials, teachers, students, and parents.

Rep. Rush recognized the success that Carnegie School has had in improving the students= reading and math skills but now, President Bush wants the teachers to continue to do this against all odds. "The President touts himself as the "Education President" promising to improve the quality of education in our nation's schools. However, his budget doesn't even come close to providing the money necessary to fund vital educational programs," Rep. Rush said.

In fact, President Bush's proposed 2004 budget for education falls $7 billion short, resulting in cuts in after-school programs, summer school programs, special education, and teacher training.

The Leave No Child Behind Act (H.R. 1) received bi-partisan support in Congress and was enacted into law last year. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that every child have the opportunity to receive a quality education through stronger accountability systems, greater investment in new resources, greater local flexibility, and targeting of funds to schools and students with the greatest needs. "Essentially, what Pres. Bush has done is given our children a check backed by insufficient funds. We must hold the President accountable," said Rep. Rush.

The President's budget has not come before Congress for a vote yet.