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Republicans Continue to Help Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week

May 7, 2003

Rep. Joe Wilson’s Bill would raise teacher loan forgiveness to $17,500 for those who teach in low-income school districts

Today, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) took part in a press conference with Education & the Workforce Chairman John Boehner (R - OH), highlighting Republican initiatives to support teachers. Rep. Wilson spoke about H.R. 438, The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act, a bill he has sponsored to raise the amount of teacher loan forgiveness to $17,500 over five years for those who teach math, science or special-education in low-income school districts."During Teacher Appreciation Week, we are reminded that educating our children has to be the number one domestic priority in our country. I thank Chairman Boehner for his tireless work making sure this remains true. The success of this mission relies on one basic ingredient: a highly qualified teacher dedicated to the profession of educating children. Being married to a teacher I know fancy school buildings don't teach, and new computers don't teach either; teachers teach," said Rep. Wilson."Teachers spend more time with children than most parents spend with their own kids. We cannot continue to send mixed signals on teachers' worth to society by holding them accountable for educating our future and paying them uncompetitive wages. "Those that have the skills to teach high school science and math are opting for higher paying jobs in other industries. My proposal, H.R. 438, provides $17,500 in loan forgiveness to teachers agreeing to teach these subjects in low-income districts and will send a strong signal that America honors and respects those who accept the calling to teach. "This bill will not solve our education problems, but coupled with other initiatives including those in the private sector that address teacher pay, it will make a difference."We will never be able to pay teachers superstar salaries, but that is what they are. No one becomes a teacher to become rich. The true rewards exceed any paycheck. But, we must support them with a competitive wage," said Rep. Wilson.###