Larry Bucshon: “Thank you, Chairman Kline. Mr. Chairman, first let me thank Representative Hunter, Chairman Kline, Ranking Member…”

“Thank you, Chairman Kline. Mr. Chairman, first let me thank Representative Hunter, Chairman Kline, Ranking Member Miller, and others for their hard work and leadership on this legislation. I rise today as a cosponsor of H.R. 2218, the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act. Where American education was once a world leader, over the past few decades we are losing our advantage. The Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act will facilitate the development and replication of high-performing charter schools that will help America regain its stature as a leader in educating its citizens. Charter schools are created through a contract with local education providers that allow flexibility and innovation in educating our children while maintaining the same requirements and accountability of traditional public schools. Charter schools are able to bring innovation and special programming into the curriculum that is uniquely tailored to the needs of their specific student population. This not only allows choice for parents whose children may be better suited for this kind of flexibility, but also can inspire progress in traditional schools by raising the bar and creating greater transparency. By increasing funding opportunities for the replication of successful charter schools and facilities assistance, H.R. 2218 encourages States to invest in charter schools. Further, H.R.…”