December 02, 2015

CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after voting in favor of the conference agreement on S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act:

"The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is long overdue. This law's intent is to improve our national education system and assist our country's most vulnerable students. I'm glad that today the House voted to increase support for low-income students, for early education programs, and for students from military families. I’m also glad that my amendment to improve the college-readiness of homeless youth was included in the final legislation. The bill also expands funding available for pre-kindergarten education, which I've sought to do by introducing the Pre-K for USA Act. 

"Still, I am deeply concerned about the dramatic reductions in oversight. In Texas, state leaders have a dismal record when it comes to K-12 education. They have terribly bungled education in our state, and today's legislation vastly increases their authority to set school standards and allocate education funding. Already, Texas ranks near the bottom in education, and I worry that our students' learning could further suffer if state officials shift funds away from our schools, teachers, and students as they have in the past.

"Despite my concerns about this legislation, I supported its passage because of the much-needed assistance it provides to some of America's most vulnerable students. It is my hope that the State of Texas does right by our schools and children with this new education law."? 

The conference agreement on S. 1177 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 359 to 64.

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