Column: Work to Improve Education Goes Unreported

Statement

Tribune
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

Work to improve education goes unreported

It is unfortunate for the readers of the Tribune that the recent column regarding my record on education was so misleading. The June 10 piece, "Time to get educated on what education is," left out several details about my established record on this critical issue.

I highly encourage residents throughout Weld County to please contact me at my Greeley office- (970) 352-4037- in order to learn more about my fight in our nation's Capitol to improve education standards and the learning environment for our children and grandchildren.

Upon further investigation it will be apparent that, since being elected to serve in Congress, I led the effort and succeeded in getting the U.S. Education Department to revise its guidelines in establishing more information to parents and to include greater parental involvement.

Because of my concern for the safety of children attending certain schools in Colorado and other parts of the nation, I held a field hearing with other current and former members of Congress to investigate the methods used by states boards of education to define a school as "dangerous." As a direct result of my efforts, stricter standards will now be used that provide children attending dangerous schools greater options in receiving an education in a secure environment.

As a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I have worked for important improvements to head Start that strengthen the program's academic results and better prepare our children for kindergarten. One of the key components I fought for was a new eight-state demonstration program, which would allow governors to coordinate successful state early childhood education programs with Head Start.

In addition, as a freshman congresswoman, I had the rare opportunity last year to offer an amendment during debate before the entire House of Representatives. My legislation would have changed the Improving Education Results for Children with Disabilities Act to allow public school districts a new option in how they deliver services to special needs school students. My amendment received 176 yes votes, a significant increase of support in Congress from previous education choice bills.

Regrettably, the shortsighted column fails to mention these accomplishments, and the Tribune has never reported them.

Furthermore, I have actively co-sponsored legislation to improve access and affordability of higher education, including the Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act, which allows taxpayers making less than $100,000 to deduct the full amount of their student loan interest, as well as allowing tax-free treatment of scholarships, including room and board.

I am disappointed by the rash of inaccuracies regarding my record that are reported by the Tribune and its guest columnists. Therefore, for a detailed analysis of my record on education and other important legislative issues, please contact me at my Greeley office.

Source