Create Debate: Question Two

Hi Gather,  The right of every American child to a high-quality free public education is one of

America's most treasured principles. We must improve the quality of public education in

those schools that are struggling and expand public education to include pre-kindergarten

beginning at age 3 for any families that want it, as well as tuition-free

college for millions of students.

I am here to act on my view that the education and well-being of our nation's children is

a collective responsibility that all Americans share, and that education is a life-long

process beginning long before a child enters kindergarten. Studies have shown that the

most critical cognitive development occurs in the years from birth to age 3. That is one

reason I have been a leading advocate for early childhood education, with a special

emphasis on the support and care of low-income infants and toddlers.

I am a strong supporter of the keystone federal educational program for poor children,

Head Start. In the House Education Committee, I have offered an amendment that

would vastly expand Head Start by allowing all centers to run for a full day and by

increasing the number of children who qualify for the program, raising family eligibility

thresholds to twice the federal poverty line. By tripling the Head Start budget, we could

bring an additional 1.5 million children into the program.

In the 107th and 108th Congresses, I introduced the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Act, a

bill to create a free, universal, and voluntary pre-kindergarten program for 3- to 5-yearold

children across the county. Universal pre-kindergarten would revolutionize America's

commitment to early childhood education and change the nature of child care provision

for the better. The cost of this program is $60 billion per year, which I plan to pay for by

cutting the bloated Pentagon budget by 15%.

Pre-kindergarten programs prepare children to meet the challenges of school. Studies

show that young children who have access to a quality education benefit with higher

academic achievements, increased graduation rates and decreased juvenile

delinquency. Nationwide, there's a severe shortage of affordable, quality education

programs. By providing universal pre-kindergarten, we are ensuring that all of our

children are ready for school. The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Act will provide funding to states to establish universal pre-kindergarten programs that build on existing federal

and state pre-kindergarten initiatives. The program is voluntary and will be available free

of charge to all families who choose to participate. The legislation requires

Pre-kindergarten programs to meet quality standards of early education and provides

resources for the professional development of teachers. For grades K through 12, my priorities are based on the bedrock principle of a free, universal, and high quality public education for every child in America. I strongly oppose initiatives that seek to undermine that commitment and have established a strong anti-voucher voting record. I believe that we cannot improve education by draining funding from our public schools.

In Congress, I have proposed a constitutional amendment to codify the right of all

citizens to equal, high-quality public education. To achieve that goal, I support a

substantial reinvestment in the infrastructure of our nation's public schools. I cosponsored

the Better Classroom Act and the Expand and Build America's Schools Act,

two bills to help communities make needed school repairs and expansions. I have

supported additional funding for teacher training.

I was also an original co-sponsor of HR 935, the most comprehensive child care and

education bill in the U.S. Congress, encompassing 33 federal programs to improve child

well-being and education in America. In addition to universal pre-kindergarten, I have a

plan to provide tuition-free higher education to millions of students in state universities.

There are 12 million young Americans who attend public institutions, colleges, and

universities. They now pay, on average, over $10,000 a year. That adds up to $120

billion a year. That's less than the President's most recent tax cut for the wealthy. Even

allowing for an increase in the cost per student and in the number of students enrolled,

this remains a question of shifting priorities, not a need for new resources.

Education is the only solution proven to reduce poverty levels. This conclusion is

backed by thousands of national studies. Given the opportunity, education and training

pave a path out of poverty for many families. Five years ago when welfare was

reformed, recipients were discouraged and even prevented from earning a higher

degree.

Since 1996, the City University of New York experienced annual declines in the number

of students who were welfare recipients, from a high of 22,000 students in 1996 to only

5,000 welfare students in 2000. As soon as welfare reform passed, some recipients

were even kicked out of school, some only a few months from graduation. What

improved condition worthy of the name of reform would create barriers to a college

degree? Congress should allow and encourage people to obtain career training; work

toward a college degree, GED, or other degree; or learn English. It should create

exemptions from time limits so welfare recipients aren't prevented from earning a

college degree.

If an individual has a bachelor's degree, the average yearly wage is $30,730, nearly

three times as much as the $11,432 that non-degree employees earn. A college degree

translates to a living-wage job that allows people to live self-sufficiently and move from

welfare programs for good. I believe Congress should allow home child care to count as

an allowable work activity. For women on welfare, child care during evening and

weekend hours is notoriously difficult to find and is too costly for a welfare recipient. In

1998, 43 states reported waiting lists for child care, and only 12% of those eligible for

child care are getting it. Not only does it make practical sense to allow mothers to take

care of their own children; it makes sense for families to stay together.

The current Administration wants to box our young people in with standardized tests

and a limited focus on math and science. These days, American students are tested to

an extent that is unprecedented in American history and unparalleled anywhere in the

world. Education must emphasize creative and critical thinking, not just test taking.

I believe we can take our children and society in a new direction by challenging this

notion that education should be so limited. We ought to be encouraging art, music, and

creative writing in our schools. In doing so, we recognize and fuel the wide range of

talents our children possess. Also See: Vouchers Floor Statements, 109th Congress:

Reporting of School Bus RR Crossings Funded H.R. 609 Will Not Help Students Don't

Let the War on Drugs Become a War on Children Students Pay for Tax Cuts for the

Rich