Regarding the June 11 article, “Maine congressmen say Maine can’t afford plan.”

When President Bush signed the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act into law in January 2002, it started America on an historic journey in which every child learns by 2014.

In exchange for high standards and academic results, the federal government promised to send significant new resources to states and local schools and we are meeting that promise.

Federal funding for NCLB programs has dramatically increased since the legislation was signed into law. For instance, Title I aid for the most disadvantaged students has increased by $2.9 billion to $11.7 billion in fiscal year 2003.

Maine will receive more than $86.5 million in fiscal year 2003 to implement NCLB, including $42 million in Title I aid ($9 million increase since FY 2001), $4 million to help Maine design and implement state assessments, nearly $14 million for teacher quality grants, and $2.8 million so every child in Maine can read by the third grade.

According to a recent report by the independent General Accounting Office, the federal government is providing more than enough money for states to cover the testing requirements of NCLB.

Today, every state in America has an approved plan in place that will ensure real accountability in public education for the first time. By working together, we will ensure that no child in America is left behind.

Rep. John Boehner, chairman

Committee on Education and the Workforce,

Washington, D.C.