A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

       FOR RELEASE                                         Contact: Rick Miller     September 30, 1996                                           (202) 401-3026

Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley Regarding House Passage of Omnibus Appropriations Bill

The overwhelming vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to increase investments in education is very good news for our country. While recognizing that education is primarily a state and local responsibility, I am delighted that the House has joined the president in making quality education a national priority. This vote signals a greater commitment to help local schools raise academic standards and lift student achievement, to rigorously teach the basic skills, to prevent drug use and violence, to provide better teacher training, and to get technology in the hands of teachers and students in the classroom. The vote also powerfully reinforces the president's message to make college financial aid more available to our students.

Parents and indeed all of the American people believe strongly in this pro education agenda. We need to build on this opportunity and, working together, carry out our responsibility to improve education. Our challenge now -- from the local level to the federal level -- is to make sure these new resources are applied effectively to help prepare our students to get on the right course.

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