FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1995                           (202) 616-2771
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

      THREE CABINET MEMBERS VISIT MARYLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

   Reno, Riley, Shalala Urged Congress Not To Rescind Funding 
                      for Programs for Kids


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Reno, Education
Secretary Riley and HHS Secretary Shalala visited Highland
Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Thursday and saw
two federally funded programs that are helping children stay away
from drugs and violence.

     The following statement was made by the Attorney General:

     "These programs we saw in action this morning, programs that
teach responsibility and how to resolve conflict peacefully are
critical.  And the people who are championing these programs, who
think they are critical, are the police and the prosecutors
throughout America.  They see what happens when these programs
don't exist.

     It is so important that we invest in the children of America
for tomorrow and for today.  That's the reason it is so important
that Congress take another look and resist the effort to cut
these programs that are so vital to the nation's most precious
possession."

     The House voted today to rescind 1995 funds for the Safe and
Drug-Free Schools Act. 
      
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95-140