U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey discussed implementation and funding increases for the “No Child Left Behind Act” this week with Education Secretary Rod Paige. 

"As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Congressman Gingrey has shown a deep commitment to ensuring that every child in America is guaranteed their birthright of a quality education,” Paige sad. “Congressman Gingrey shared with me first hand Georgia's educational needs and concerns. As we continue to implement the historic reforms of the No Child Left Behind Act, I look forward to working alongside Congressman Gingrey to ensure that we hold open the door to a quality education for every child in Georgia." 

President Bush’s budget increases education funding to $53.1 billion – an $11 billion increase since the president took office. 

“Secretary Paige assured me that the president plans to give school systems flexibility and local control,” Gingrey said after the meeting. That sounds great to me. The president and Secretary Paige know that Georgia’s educators and teachers know best how to educate Georgia’s children. 

“I think the key word is accountability; the nation is making the investment; we need to see positive returns on that investment.” 

The president’s budget proposal would provide the following: 

• Increases federal education funding in Georgia to more than $1.3 billion – $304.8 million more than when the President took office.
• Provides nearly $590 million to help Georgia implement the reforms of No Child Left Behind.
• Increases Title I funding to nearly $376 million – $118 million over 2001 levels – to help Georgia’s neediest children.
• Increases Special Education Grants for Georgia to nearly $254 million – $91.3 million over 2001 levels.
• Provides nearly $293 million in Federal Pell Grants to help ensure a college education for Georgia students who otherwise might not be able to afford one.
• Provides access to more than $32 million in Reading First funding to ensure that every child in Georgia learns to read by the third grade.
• Provides more than $75 million to attract and retain highly-qualified teachers in Georgia classrooms.
• Provides nearly $10 million for annual assessments so every mom and dad in Georgia will know how well their children are learning and where they need improvement.