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Expanded School Choice for D.C. Children Closer After House Vote: Davis Amendment Passes in Close Vote With Support from Both Sides
CER Press Release
Washington, D.C.
September 6,2003
The full House of Representatives brought the promise of better educational opportunities to the school children of the District of Columbia by passing an amendment that provides low-income parents residing in the District of Columbia with expanded opportunities for enrolling their children in the school of their choice.
The effort to pass the bill brought together individuals and groups from across the political spectrum. Congressman Jim Davis (R-VA) chair of the Government Reform Committee, D.C. Mayor Tony Williams, Council Member Kevin Chavous, School Board President Peggy Cooper Cafritz and thousands of parents across the District of Columbia created a formidable force so children could escape the perennially failing schools of the low performing District of Columbia school system.
"This is a major triumph for every parent who has ever wanted a better life for their child. The city leaders who have joined together to pass this legislation have listened to their constituents and have not been dominated by special interest groups or leaders who have lost touch with the people they represent, " noted Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education Reform.
UPDATE, September 9, 2003: In a parliamentary procedure that put the Davis Amendment up for revote, the amendment was again approved by the full House of Representatives, and the DC Appropriations bill to which it was amended was subsequently passed. The vote was a long overdue endorsement of school choice and offers a renewed opportunity for the parents and children of our nation's capital. The vote moves next to the Senate where a similar endorsement is expected.
For more information and research on school choice, go to our page About School Choice. And click here for for details about what's going on in DC school choice.# # # The Center for Education Reform is the leading authority for information on innovative reforms in education and works in states and communities across the country to advance the cause of educational excellence. CER celebrates its 10th Anniversary this October. For more information contact CER at 202-822-9000 or send us an email.
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