DeLauro Leads Panel Discussion on Impact of Ryan Budget on Education
NEWHAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) led a panel discussion today on thedetrimental impact Congressman Paul Ryan's budget proposal would have oneducation in America. According to estimates, the Ryan Budget would slashfederal education funding by an astounding 20 percent.
Joinedby West Haven Mayor John Picard, West Haven High School Principal PamelaGardner, and other officials, parents, students and teachers in West Haven,DeLauro talked about the need for the federal government to continue to supportK-12 education and the opportunities it gives our children to succeed. She isthe senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the Departmentof Education.
"Inthis tough economy, middle-class and working families are struggling to get byand to do better. But without broad access to a good education, there is nomiddle class. The compact that allows hard work to pay off and allows futuregenerations to do better is broken. We must keep the American Dream aliveand ensure future generations have access to the solid, middle-class jobs thatmake this country thrive.
"Decreasededucation funding has a real impact on students. For our country toremain economically competitive, we need an educated workforce with the skillsand knowledge required to compete in the 21st century. This isnot the time to slash federal education funding. We cannot try to balance thebudget on the backs of low-income students, Head Start and teachers."
Cuttingour federal education budget by such a substantial amount would force alreadycash-strapped states and municipalities to shoulder even more of the burden,forcing increases on property taxes and further hurting the pocketbooks ofmiddle-class and working families, resulting in further cuts to educationservices and programs.
In contrast, DeLauro was instrumental insecuring the single largest investment in college affordability in our nation'shistory, expanding the Head Start program and funding for students withdisabilities.