[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [House] [Page 7837] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]INTRODUCTION OF THE RURAL TEACHERS' RECRUITMENT ACT OF 1999 (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mrs. CLAYTON. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Rural Teachers' Recruitment Act of 1999, a much needed measure designed to address teacher shortage, recruitment and retention. Recruiting and retaining quality teachers is so important and difficult in schools across the country. Accomplishing this goal in rural areas is even a greater task. Madam Speaker, there is little motivation for teachers to teach and to remain in rural areas. My bill offers an incentive to teachers to teach in these unrepresented areas. The Rural Teachers' Recruitment Act of 1999 allows rural local education agencies to submit an application to the Secretary of the Department of Education for a grant to develop incentives that they like for whatever they like, for recruitment and retaining teachers and providing opportunities. As we move in the 21st century, it is time to ensure that we have talented, dedicated and qualified teachers. We must give these new teachers a reason to favor providing instruction in our rural areas. We must reduce the shortage of quality teachers in areas where they are most needed. Without these teachers, our communities and children are the ones who suffer. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues in rural areas and urban areas to support my bill, the Rural Teachers' Recruitment Act of 1999. ____________________