After the Public Education Forum

The press release says it best...

Haines Blasts Republicans on Education

Doug Haines, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 12th district, assailed the Bush administration and incumbent Congressman Max Burns as he listened to concerns of local educators Wednesday night at a public education forum in Athens.

Haines attacked the No Child Left Behind act for “setting up our public schools to fail,” and labeled the act as “a cynical attempt by social conservatives to advance their position on school vouchers.” “George Bush and the Republicans consider public education a nuisance and a failure,” said Haines. “The real failures here are the failures of leadership shown by George Bush and Max Burns. Public education has always been what makes our nation succeed, and it is the best investment we can make in our future. It is time for a real change in Washington, and we need a Congressman who will stand up to George W. Bush on these issues.”

Haines listened as local educators, administrators, and parents voiced concerns about funding for public education, increasing access to Head Start, and cuts in arts education. He presented parts of his legislative agenda on public education, highlighting proposals to provide universal early learning opportunities, raise teacher salaries, and lower classroom sizes.

“We must show our teachers the respect that they deserve,” said Haines. “It’s a sad situation when the professionals that hold our future in their hands are being paid so poorly.”