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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
ON THE U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION REGARDING VOUCHERS
AS GOVERNOR OF WISCONSIN, SECRETARY THOMPSON CREATED THE NATION'S
FIRST PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAM IN MILWAUKEE.


"I commend the U.S. Supreme Court for its visionary ruling today affirming the constitutionality of school choice in America and putting the needs of children first.

"The school choice revolution had its start in Wisconsin, where the children of Milwaukee now have more educational options than any community in the country. Through school choice, Milwaukee parents have the greatest opportunity to make sure their children get the best education possible. It is particularly empowering to low-income families who, without a choice program, do not have financial means to choose a private school if a public school is failing their child.

"In Milwaukee, we have found school choice to be empowering for families and communities, contributing to the betterment of the education environment in the city. Schools, both public and private, are now competing to provide children with the best education possible. And parents are taking advantage of choosing the best school for their child.

"School choice puts the focus where it belongs: on what's best for the child. The Supreme Court decision upholds that important priority."

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