LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
EDUCATION BILL TO REMAIN TOP PRIORITY
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While the recent terrorist attacks have significantly altered the legislative agendas of Congress and the Administration, education remains a top priority and on track to be completed. Both the Administration and congressional leaders have expressed their intention to complete work on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) this fall. In fact, Conference Chairman John Boehner stated, "We will complete the bill this year. There’s no reason we can’t work out the differences between the House and Senate bill, and in short order" (CQ Daily Monitor, 9-20-2001).
All 39 conferees will likely meet next week to approve many issues worked out by staff over the past month, including a reading initiative and after-school programs. With the attack on America, there is a move among legislators to minimize disagreements and work in a very bipartisan manner. Therefore, it is more important than ever for Kids in the Know members to continue contacting conference committee members to
express strong opposition to the Dodd-Shelby
"student privacy" provision included in the Senate-passed version of ESEA. (Please
contact Michael Fleischer at 202-667-0901 if you would like guidance or assistance in contacting the appropriate member of the conference committee.)
Conference committee members must be reminded that the Dodd-Shelby provision would hurt students and families, by limiting their access to education-related products and services.
Special Note to Kids in the Know Members
We want to take this opportunity to recognize that several Kids in the Know members are located in New York City and wish them well as they struggle to come to grips with recent events and the City begins to heal.
In addition since all Kids in the Know members in some way work with children, students, and families we appreciate that this has been especially trying and we appreciate your time as we endeavor to educate members on Congress about our good works and their far reaching benefits.
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