January 24, 2001

TO: JCPA Member Agencies

FROM: Karen Senter, Assistant Executive Vice-Chair

RE: Bush Education Proposals

Yesterday, as you are no doubt aware, the Bush Administration introduced its education plan. While the plan includes important proposals for improving public schools, it also contains a measure allowing students who attend failing schools to receive vouchers that could be used toward tuition at private or religious schools.

As you know, the JCPA has long opposed the use of public funds to support religious and other private schools, believing that voucher plans not only violate the First Amendment Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution but also divert resources urgently needed to strengthen low-performing schools.

The President’s proposal also contains several positive recommendations, focusing special attention on failing schools in high poverty areas, providing increased financial help, and including measures to hold schools accountable. You can read the full document at http://edworkforce.house.gov/press/press107/NoChildLeftBehind.pdf.

Attached is a press release issued by the JCPA along with releases by other member agencies and by the National Education Association. Please feel free to contact the JCPA if you have questions or need additional information. We will keep you informed regarding the need for concrete advocacy as Congress begins to address and debate the Administration’s proposals.