ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 10, Number 10
February 16, 2001

In this issue:
	
EDUCATION SECRETARY RODERICK PAIGE TESTIFIES ON PRESIDENT BUSH'S 
EDUCATION PROPOSALS

Secretary Paige made his first appearance before the Senate 
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on February 
15, 2001 to outline President Bush's education plan. Paige stated 
that Bush's education agenda core principles include expanding 
flexibility, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing accountability 
at the local level.  

Reading First Initiative:
An important aspect of Bush's education plan is his Reading First 
Initiative.  According to Paige, the program would "invest in 
scientifically based reading instruction in the early grades, with 
the goal of creating comprehensive, statewide reading programs to 
ensure that every child is reading by the third grade.  The 
proposal would also support the acquisition of pre-reading and 
math skills in pre-school and Head Start programs"

ESEA Reauthorization: 
Committee Chairman James M. Jeffords, R-Vt., plans to mark up a 
bill Feb. 28, with floor action sometime in March.  Many Committee 
members are concerned that they will be put in a difficult 
position because they still do not have details on Bush's plan to 
reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or figures 
showing how much his proposals will cost.

E-rate:
Senator Mikulski (D-MD) questioned Paige about President Bush's 
plan to move the E-rate from the FCC to the Department of 
Education.  She stated that, "she was extremely concerned about 
his proposal and that there needs to be a reliable revenue stream 
that is sustainable to provide access to technology for schools 
and libraries."  Secretary Paige told the Committee that Bush 
wanted to make sure programs are not duplicative and consolidated 
where possible.

Keep Calling Congress:
Continue to contact your Members of Congress and ask them to fight 
this proposal. The U.S. Capitol Switchboard number is: 202-224-
3121.  For talking points see the February 5 ALAWON at 
http://www.ala.org/washoff/alawon/alwn1006.html.  We would also 
appreciate any feedback you receive from your calls or contacts.

Look for more ALAWONs on Bush's budget and education plan as we 
continue to learn more about Bush's priorities for the 107th 
Congress.


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