'Ed-Flex' Sponsor Gave Bill a Push Before Media Storm

By Joetta L. Sack

Washington

Last summer, Sen. Bill Frist introduced a measure that he thought would give schools a bit of relief from bureaucracy by expanding the popular, but little-known, "Ed-Flex" program from 12 to all 50 states.

The Tennessee Republican promoted his plan at every possible venue last fall. But the measure got scant attention in the last days of the 105th Congress, and even less media coverage. By September, Mr. Frist was told there was no room in the legislative calendar for a vote, but he continued to push for his plan.

Enter the 106th Congress: Lawmakers emerging from the bruising impeachment trial of President Clinton, ready to chalk up a quick legislative victory, pounced on Sen. Frist's reintroduced Ed-Flex bill. The House and Senate votes last month became top stories in USA Today and The New York Times . And members from both parties used the bill as a vehicle to debate larger priorities, including class-size reduction and special education funding. The final legislation, approved last week by the House and Senate, now...