Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/14/2011

Contact:
Katie Broendel, broendelk@aauw.org
202/785-7761

Lisa Goodnight, goodnightl@aauw.org
202/785-7738

D.C. Mayor, City Officials Join AAUW, Others to Speak Out against D.C. Vouchers
Extension of Failed Scheme Flies in Face of Home Rule

WASHINGTON – At 1 p.m. today, Thursday, April 14, 2011, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and other members of the National Coalition for Public Education will hold a press conference to discuss the impact of the FY11 federal budget deal on education in the District of Columbia. The compromise bill includes $15.5 million for vouchers for FY11 and removes the prior bar on allowing new students into the program. It also includes the SOAR Act, which extends the failed voucher program for five more years. i[i]

WHO:
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton
D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray
Members of the D.C. City Council
Lisa M. Maatz, Director, Public Policy and Government Relations, AAUW
Members of the National Coalition for Public Education

WHAT:
Press conference on impact of FY11 federal budget on D.C. education

WHEN:
1 p.m., Thursday, April 14, 2011

WHERE:
Ross Elementary
1730 R St. NW, between 17th Street and New Hampshire Avenue

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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation's leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 500 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW's founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.

The National Coalition for Public Education is comprised of more than 50 education, civic, civil rights, and religious organizations devoted to the support of public schools. Founded in 1978, NCPE opposes the funneling of public money to private and religious schools through such mechanisms as tuition tax credits and vouchers.

i[i] http://democrats.rules.house.gov/112/text/112_hr1473_txt.pdf