Second, the President's budget would provide the second installment on the federal program to provide 100,000 new teachers over seven years to reduce average class size. For more than 28 million school-age children, either both parents in the workforce, or there is only one parent and that parent works. As many as 15 million of these children have no adult supervision after school. Fifth, the President's budget seeks a significant increase in the Teacher Quality Enhancement Initiative, designed to help improve teacher preparation programs and address the shortages of well-prepared teachers. Finally, the President's program provides a significant increase in the safe and drug-free school program.
Education is a critical priority for America.
It is important that both parties not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. I am confident that we will be able to persuade moderate Republicans to embrace the key elements of Clinton's education plan, so that the federal government will make a substantial contribution toward improved education.