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Kennedy: Bush not living up to education promises

Kennedy: Bush not living up to education promises


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Edward Kennedy, touted by President Bush as his partner in education, chided the president Saturday for not delivering the resources needed to back up his promises.

The Massachusetts senator, delivering the Democrats weekly radio address, said the bipartisan education legislation passed last year could be compromised under Bush's budget proposal.

The president's plan would cut funds to public schools and offer $4 billion to private schools and tax breaks to wealthy Americans, Kennedy said.

"We cannot remain silent when the president now fails to fund his own education bill," said Kennedy. "It was a wonderful promise -- but it has become a hollow promise."

In response, the White House said the reforms -- not necessarily the money -- in last year's bill were most important in ensuring high-quality education.

"We've seen in the past [that] money is not the answer," said spokeswoman Anne Womack. "Most importantly, meaningful reform is being enacted to ensure that every child has the access to a top-rate education."

Bush's plan still includes an overall increase for education spending, but Kennedy criticized the balance between public and private schools.

"Instead of diverting billions of dollars to private schools, we should invest those billions in our public schools as the president promised -- for better teachers, smaller classes and safer schools," the senator said.

Kennedy praised the bipartisan effort that produced the legislation, saying the debate about education funds should also avoid partisan rancor.

"It's a fight for America's future," he said. "And we can't afford to walk away from it."

-- CNN Producer Christy Brennan contributed to this story.



 
 
 
 






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