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Senate focuses on 'Ed-Flex' bill
March 4, 1999 WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 4) -- As Congress turns its attention to reducing the federal government's influence on local education spending, the Senate resumed debate on the "Ed-Flex" program Thursday. The Senate Wednesday began considering whether to extend the Education Flexibility Partnership Act, a pilot program now in 12 states, to all 50 states. Meanwhile, a key House committee paved the way for action by the full House, clearing a companion bill Wednesday. The measures enjoy broad bipartisan support among congressional Democrats and Republicans, as well as the nation's governors and President Bill Clinton. In exchange for increased accountability, the "Ed-Flex" program gives local school districts more control over how they can spend federal education funds. The pilot program began in 1994 with six states and was expanded two years later to include 12 states. On Wednesday, the Senate rejected one amendment to the proposal and passed another by Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minnesota), a vocal opponent of the measure. Another amendment by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), who supports the bill, was approved. Wellstone says there is no research to prove the five-year demonstration project has improved education in the 12 states where it is in action. Poor and minority students could suffer the most, according to Wellstone, as states and school districts could evade accountability provisions in the federal law that direct education funds to those children. "What this piece of legislation really is doing is it is essentially saying that we as a national community no longer are going to maintain our commitment to poor children in America," Wellstone said. "That's what this is all about." But one of the bill's sponsors, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), rejected that argument. "We have no examples of how in any of those states the poor have been exploited or taken advantage of," Wyden said. And "we have plenty examples of how 'Ed-Flex' has worked," he said. Wyden's co-sponsor, Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tennessee), acknowledged that the "Ed-Flex" bill is not the solution to all of the nation's education problems, but only a first step. "This bill is no silver bullet," Frist said. Senate debate could extend through next week as Democrats are expected to offer further amendments to improve accountability. Another possible amendment, which is expected to draw Republican opposition, would authorize the remainder of Clinton's plan to hire 100,000 new teachers. Meanwhile, the House Education and Workforce Committee voted 33-9 -- with support from 10 of 22 Democrats -- to send its companion education bill to the full House. A vote could come as early as next week, a spokesman said. The "Ed-Flex" program is in place in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Vermont. |
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MORE STORIES:Thursday, March 4, 1999
• New director for Secret Service • Clinton raises money for Sen. Torricelli, ignores Lewinsky interview • Senate focuses on 'Ed-Flex' bill • Starr had copy of Lewinsky's affidavit before filing • GOP congressional leaders agree to budget framework • U.S. House wants Sam Rayburn library to return historic items • Justice: No White House pressure on independent counsel law • Judge rejects Whitewater figure's bid to delay trial • CBO enters Social Security fight • New rule ends Senate's secret holds • Medical marijuana bill introduced • Interior Department marks 150 years
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