Reichert accusations not based on fact

I was perplexed by the letter published on Sept. 3 titled “Blame Reichert for Education Woes.” The author takes a remarkably generalized, uninformed swipe at the strong education record of Congressman Dave Reichert. These accusations are not based on fact.

As a teacher, I’d like to shed some light on the truth. Recently, Congressman Reichert was endorsed by both the National Education Association and the Washington Education Association because of where he stands on education issues. It is clear from his record that he does much more than “claim” he’s addressing the needs of teachers, students, and our education system as the author alleges.

Congressman Reichert directed the effort in Congress two years ago to add $7 billion to the federal budget for education and health care; and, just last year he voted to override President Bush’s veto of the Labor, Health, and Education Appropriations Bill.

He’s consistently sought and secured funding for multiple education programs and institutions such as Bellevue Community College. In addition to successfully passing an amendment this year that reduces class size to improve the learning environment and individual instruction for kids in the classroom, he has supported funding for construction, modernization, and renovation of our schools; supported early education development services for low-income and homeless students; and, supported funding for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and basic science research to keep us competitive in a global economy.

There’s much more to read about this issue on Congressman Reichert’s website where I encourage voters to review the facts in order to reach informed conclusions on this issue. Our children must receive the best education possible and Congressman Reichert is working to ensure that they do.

Rozalyn Strong

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