“At a time of unprecedented economic growth, we must increase our commitment to education, healthcare, and other programs that benefit millions of Americans.  Unfortunately, this Republican-sponsored bill slashes funding for vital domestic priorities and fails to make the grade,” Schakowsky said.
 
“The American people understand that it is critical to invest in our children’s education and to meet the needs of seniors and hard working families.  Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress just don’t get it,” Schakowsky added.

The Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill fails to fund school construction by denying $1.3 billion in funds that would be used to leverage more than $7 billion for repairs and new schools.  In addition, this bill eliminates the class size reduction program by block granting the $1.75 billion requested for smaller classes.  This will jeopardize the federal government’s commitment to hire 20,000 new teachers next year and to continue support for the 29,000 teachers already hired. 

In Illinois, this bill will result in a $68.6 million cut in funds that would be used to reduce overcrowded classes and a $36.5 million cut in funds to help students in high-poverty areas learn the basics and meet academic standards expected of all children.  Schakowsky had visited numerous schools in her district, including Boone School, to bring attention to overcrowded classrooms and crumbling schools.  During her second visit to Boone School, she was asked by a student, “What have you done since your last visit?”

“I pose that same question to the Republican leadership.  What have you done this Congress to ease overcrowding and to deliver the best quality education to our students? This bill does nothing to address critical school modernization and construction needs,” Schakowsky said

Schakowsky also expressed disappointment that the House did not act on an amendment by Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) that would have increased the jobs skills program by $1 billion.  The program is geared toward teaching young men and women learn valuable skills for the new economy.

In addition, the bill will:

• eliminate $125 million requested by the President to provide health coverage for the uninsured; 

• funds the National Institutes of Health at a level that is $439 million below the needed amount to maintain current service;

• eliminates $36 million requested by the President to provide quality nursing home care for 1.6 million seniors;

• cuts mental health and advocacy services for seniors by $27 million below the President’s request;

• cuts $400 million or 40% from the President’s budget for after-school programs;

• blocks ergonomics rule that would prevent 300,000 debilitating injuries per year.