U.S. House of Representatives Approves Bill that Slashes Funding for Schools

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement in response to the passage of the 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill in the U.S. House of Representatives today:

"I am deeply disappointed that members of Congress did not restore much-needed funding for public education in the budget for 2006. At a time when our nation should be investing in the future of our students as never before, this budget cuts education funding for the first time in a decade.  

"In California and across the nation, there is an urgent need to better prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing, increasingly competitive global economy. To do so will require investments in educational technology, in early childhood education and in innovative ways to raise rigor in our classrooms and improve student achievement. Instead, this shortsighted budget would make cuts in all of those areas. It also severely shortchanges schools serving students who are poor and students with disabilities. As a result, budget pressures for California and many other states that have recently faced deficits will be significantly compounded.

"I hope that members of Congress will use the next year to look for ways to invest in our schools and give them the tools to prepare all students for success in the 21st century."

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the Education Appropriations bill later this week.