Haines for Congress Blog

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.”

Haines to Host Education Forum

Haines to Hold Public Education Forum

Athens – April 29 – Doug Haines, candidate for Congress in Georgia’s 12th District, announced today that he will host a forum on public education in conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week.

“Teachers are one of the most important parts of our communities’ social infrastructure, and it is vitally important that their voice be heard in Washington, DC,” Haines commented. “I’ve fought for public education in the State Senate, and I will take that fight to Congress.”

At the forum, Haines will listen to concerns from teachers, administrators, students, and parents. He will also discuss his ideas for improving public education in the 12th District.

As a State Senator, Doug Haines was instrumental in writing and passing numerous pieces of legislation concerning public education. Haines worked to secure a pilot program for the Georgia Early Learning Initiative in the Athens area, and fought to secure funding to hire new teachers in the state. As a public interest lawyer, Haines successfully sued the state of Georgia to require the government to remove lead from the drinking water in schools and daycares.

The forum will be held at the Athens-Clarke County Public Library on Wednesday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Haines Campaign's Athens office at 706-355-3200.