Joe seeks $50 million to teach Mandarin, but votes no on health care

Below is a story I find a little confusing. Joe Knollenberg is willing to sponsor a bill to authorize $50 million to teach Mandarin, but he won't vote to authorize legislation to provide health care to 10 million low income children. Seems like Joe has his priorties all screwed up. We need a representative that has his priorities straight.
Deb Price

Tue, Oct 9, 2007 at 5:33 PM

U.S. Rep. Knollenberg seeks money to teach Mandarin


U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Hills, introduced a bill today to authorize $50 million for schools to teach Mandarin.

"China is rapidly emerging as America's most serious economic competitor," said Knollenberg, a senior Republican on the House Appropriations Committee. "I believe it's important for our schools to begin offering Mandarin language instruction. My bill provides some seed money to help schools hire Mandarin teachers and put programs in place to accomplish this goal."

To qualify, school districts would have to offer beginning to advanced language classes as well as programs on Chinese history and culture.

In his statement, Knollenberg included support voiced by Dr. Vicki Markavitch, the superintendent of Oakland County Schools.

"We recognize the growing presence of China in the global economy and are working to prepare Oakland County students to compete globally.

"That is why the Oakland Schools Chinese Language and Culture Initiative is introducing both language instruction and social studies curriculum to pre-K through 12th grade students across Oakland County."