“I urge my colleagues in Congress to fully-fund the promises made in the No Child Left Behind Education Reform Act, and of equal importance, to drop the provision that would allow for private school vouchers in the Washington D.C. public school system,” said Ross.  “The voucher inclusion would set a bad precedent for future legislation, and would divert much-needed resources away from 90 percent of American children who attend public schools."

Ross’s urging comes on the cusp of Congress’s final vote on an omnibus appropriations bill, which will fund a good portion of the federal government, including the Department of Education. Negotiators are still working out the final agreement on the omnibus bill.

This summer, House Republicans passed an education spending bill that breaks promises made to parents and children in the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act.  That bill under-funds the landmark legislation by $8 billion - meaning that 2 million children will not get reading and math help, one million children will not have after-school programs, and 80,000 fewer teachers will get high-quality training.  In September, House Republicans included a private school vouchers proposal in the spending bill for the District of Columbia. Both bills will now be combined into one “omnibus” spending bill.

 “Education is a top priority of our country, and yet Congress will get a failing grade if we adjourn for the year without making sure that our children have the best education possible, or at least education improvements that were promised,” said Ross.

This week is American Education Week, which recognizes the educators and school staff who keep our children safe and healthy.  This week long celebration has been celebrated since 1921, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, National Education Association, National PTA, American Legion, American Association of School Administrators, National School Boards Association, American Federal of Teacher, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and National Association of Secondary School Principals.