For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
America’s Promise Alliance Urges Congress To Preserve Education Reform Funding
Statement made by Marguerite W. Kondracke, president and CEO of America’s Promise Alliance
WASHINGTON, DC –“On behalf of America’s children, while we applaud the House of Representatives for including the language of the Obey Amendment during passage of the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (H.R. 4899), we remain concerned that this amendment is paid for, in part, by cutting funding from Race to the Top, the Charter Schools Program, and the Teacher Incentive Fund. These important programs help strengthen our schools and close the achievement gap.
This amendment does provide vital emergency funding for children by including $10 billion to protect the jobs of 140,000 teachers and school employees in districts around the country and $4.95 billion to close the Pell grant shortage. However, as Congress continues debating the Supplemental Appropriations Act, we urge the Senate to include the Obey Amendment, but ensure that any offsets do not hinder President Obama and Secretary Duncan’s commitment to education reform.”
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About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. Through the collective power of our partner network, we raise awareness, support communities and engage in nonpartisan advocacy to ensure that young people receive more of the fundamental resources they need to graduate high school prepared for college, work and life. Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our young people is grounded in the Five Promises—caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others. For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.