I believe teachers, parents, and local school boards are in the best position to assess the needs of their students.
While the states and local school districts should be given more flexibility, the Federal Government continues to play a critical role in providing part of funding for educational opportunities for disabled and low-income children.
A high-quality education, especially in a more complex and dynamic economy, is something every child should have access to. This includes quality education for those children who desire to pursue a traditional college education and those who desire career and/or technical education. Our country’s economic growth is driven by a well-educated, well-trained, and well-rounded workforce.
I believe parents play a critical role in the success of their children’s educational journey. We should encourage parents to be involved, ask questions, and do what they think is best for their children.
Actions
Voted to support the Every Student Succeeds Act in the 114th Congress. The Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind and established state-determined accountability systems, which will give states and school districts the authority to measure student performance. The bill increased the flexibility of states and school districts to develop school improvement strategies and rewards, but maintained the requirement that states and school districts distribute yearly report cards that contain information on graduation rates and student achievement. In an effort to promote a more reasonable role for the Federal Government in our education system, the Every Student Succeeds Act also eliminated some elementary and secondary education programs while consolidating others. This bill passed both the House and the Senate and was signed into law on December 10, 2015.
Strong supporter of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which offsets costs incurred by counties and cities as a result of federal lands in their jurisdiction. Since federal lands aren’t taxable property, these PILT payments are intended to make up for this lost revenue to the local government and to cover expenses such as education, etc.
Member of the Congressional Rural Education Caucus. The caucus is a bipartisan group of Members interested in working together to promote greater awareness of the unique needs and functions of rural school systems. Also, a member of the Independent Education Caucus.
