| Washington, D.C.- Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) condemned President Bush today for cutting $400 million in funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, the federal after-school program. Regrettably, President Bush’s FY 2004 Budget will include several drastic cuts in education funding. The President’s new budget will ultimately undermine numerous reforms mandated under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which he signed into law in 2001.
“The President’s FY 2004 budget will ultimately deprive over half a million children of after-school programs that provide them with a safe and drug-free alternative,” said Kildee. “It is disturbing that the President is willing to place the education and safety of our children at risk in order to afford another enormous tax cut for the rich.”
During the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Congressman Kildee succeeded in fighting back efforts to repeal the federal after-school program. Kildee championed and protected the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program in order to help rural and inner-city public schools create school-based learning centers that provide safe and drug-free after-school activities. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program has led to a drastic reduction in juvenile crime by providing students with a quality environment that incorporates a strong academic focus.
Year after year, President Bush has failed to provide enough money in his budget to meet the funding levels he authorized when he signed the NCLB Act into law. Not surprisingly, the President’s new FY 2004 Budget will ultimately shortchange our children’s future by eliminating funding for several important education programs.
President Bush’s FY 2004 Education Budget:
Eliminates $400 million in funding for federal after-school program, a 40% cut in the overall program.
Cuts $6 billion from NCLB’s Title I program from the FY 2004 funding level authorized by President Bush in 2001. This budget deficit will deprive disadvantaged children of educational opportunities.
Freezes Pell Grants for financially disadvantaged college students at a time when college costs are soaring.
Diverts over $300 million from public education programs to fund private school vouchers program.
Terminates existing Head Start structure and jeopardizes the quality of services currently offered to head start children.
“The President has all but guaranteed the failure of the NCLB Act by refusing to provide the necessary funding to help struggling schools and students across this country,” said Kildee. “It is time for the Bush Administration to provide the necessary funding to fulfill their promise to the American people.” | 
![[News from Congressman Dale Kildee]](letterhead.gif)