Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers,
on House Hurricane Relief Proposal Using Vouchers

House Education and the Workforce Committee leaders propose education relief for hurricane students and schools through Family Education Reimbursement Accounts, or vouchers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Republicans should put the students and schools devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ahead of their divisive quest for a voucher program.  Providing education aid through a voucher program is the wrong solution at the wrong time.  The AFT strongly believes that Congress should not engage in ideological battles that will delay much-needed aid to the affected students and schools.  A better way to distribute aid is through the existing No Child Left Behind Act, which provides a ready-made avenue for funding that has already been cleared through Congress and would not create unnecessary fights over the use of vouchers.

 Schools need to be opened as soon as possible so that children can get on with their education and their lives.  Getting sufficient aid through the existing NCLB program is the most efficient way to accomplish this.

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