Working to Improve Education to Grow Your Business

By Congressman Dennis Moore

In this uncertain economic climate, families and businesses in the Kansas City area are watching their resources carefully. The federal government must do the same. We simply can't afford to be like a kid at the candy store who wants one of everything, but has only a quarter in his pocket.

In the 108th Congress, making choices has been difficult. But when I have an opportunity to invest in education while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget, the decision is easy when I consider growth in Kansas is a direct result of its great public education.

You already know how essential a skilled and trained workforce is in today's global economy. Continued growth of our economy depends on our ability to provide that educated workforce to businesses. I believe there is no better way to get the economy moving than by making education a priority.

That's why I introduced bipartisan legislation calling for the federal government to fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act. When Congress passed NCLBA, Congress made a promise to our schools that they would provide resources and support to help them meet a new standard of excellence. The federal government's refusal to fully fund NCLBA threatens to break this promise—falling about $8 billion short in Fiscal Year 2004 alone.

I've also endorsed bipartisan legislation to allow college graduates to refinance their student loans at the historically low interest rates. Taxpayers can refinance their home mortgages. They can refinance their credit card debt. It makes sense that they should also have the opportunity to refinance their student loans.

Since being elected to Congress in 1998, I've worked to pass legislation to help the nation's schools address teacher shortages. School districts in Kansas—and across the country—are struggling to find qualified teachers. I voted for a bill to address this issue by providing young men and women with financial incentives to become teachers through loan forgiveness to those who teach in designated areas.

Though I've done my work in Washington to improve education, I know that the place I can be of most help is right here in Kansas. I'm most proud of the personal attention I've been able to give individuals and businesses.

As your congressman, I've helped businesses get paid for work they've performed for federal agencies, hosted several Small Business Resource Conferences and even helped straighten out the IRS when they have unfairly targeted small businesses. That's the kind of personal service—both with my votes in D.C. and my work in the district—you deserve from your congressman.

Congressman Dennis Moore represents Kansas' Third U.S. Congressional District, which includes Johnson, Wyandotte, and Douglas counties. Rep. Moore has offices in Overland Park, Kansas City, Lawrence, and Washington, D.C. The Congressman's website is http://www.house.gov/moore, and his local office can be reached at (913) 383-2013.