Attempting to refute critics of his plan, Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash., Thursday said his proposal to convert most elementary and secondary education programs into a block grant is not a backdoor attempt to abolish the Education Department.
In a summary of his plan, narrowly passed by the Senate last week, Gorton said Education will continue to exist, but will have less power to dictate to local school districts. Those districts will be able to direct funds where they are most needed, he said, adding that his plan would affect about $11 billion in education programs.
Responding to President Clinton's comment that he would veto the Labor-HHS funding bill if the plan is included, Gorton said, "If President Clinton wishes to veto the bill over my classroom enhancement amendment, it sends an unmistakable message to parents, teachers and school board members: 'We don't trust you.' "
NEXT STORY: Superfund Overhead Tallied