A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR RELEASE                              Contact:  Kathryn Kahler    February 13, 1995                                  (202) 401-3026

Polls Show Continued Strong Public Support for Educatioon

At a time when the American people want smaller, more efficient government, this and other recent surveys show unwavering support for investments in education and for the vital role of the U.S. Department of Education.

The NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, conducted January 14-17, confirms a Jan. 6 Washington Post/ABC News poll finding that while eight of 10 people surveyed favor a balanced budget amendment, two of three said they would not support such an amendment if it meant that education or Social Security would be cut.

A poll conducted by the Times Mirror Center for The People & The Press, released on Dec. 8, found that 64 percent would increase spending on public schools if given the opportunity to set federal budget priorities, while only six percent would decrease spending. Among 14 government programs cited, support for public schools was second only to anti-crime programs.

And a New York Times/CBS poll, conducted December 6-9, found that 59 percent oppose cuts in education, while 22 percent support cuts.

"People know education is the key to prosperity and the wisest investment we can make in our children's and our nation's future," said U. S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. "We can continue to make these investments while working to make government leaner and more efficient. That's what President Clinton's Middle Class Bill of Rights is all about."

The President's proposals call for tax cuts for middle class families with children and tax deductions for education. The cuts would be paid for through savings achieved by downsizing government.

Riley said, "The President's proposals strike the right balance between reducing government and investing in our most important resource -- people."

The polls conducted in the past few weeks and months are consistent with other surveys taken in recent years. A 1993 National Opinion Research Center poll found that 71 percent supported greater investments in education.

"The American people's message has been consistent over the years," Riley said. "They are willing to spend on education, but they demand results. They want safe schools, disciplined classrooms, challenging academic standards, and a commitment to a high quality education for every student. That's what the President and I, joining with bipartisan majorities in the Congress, have worked to achieve over the past two years. The American people are telling us, 'Don't go back, keep moving forward,' and that's what we intend to do."