On the recordFebruary 26, 2015
I thank my colleagues Mr. Polis and Mr. Messer for continuing to raise this issue. I am in complete agreement with it as are certain Members and a good deal of the committee--really, of this Chamber as a whole. Mr. Chairman, this amendment highlights the important role charter schools play in our education system. Parents are clamoring for more options for their children, and charter schools help fit that need. I visit charter schools all over Indiana and more and more throughout the Nation. It is clear that, while charter schools might not be the answer for everyone--that is, some parents love their traditional public schools, some want to have their children homeschooled, and others believe a private school is the right choice--the key here is choice. Many parents would not have an option at all without charter schools, as the gentleman describes. Charter schools are a great thing, and I appreciate this amendment's adding a sense of Congress on the importance of charter schools. Again, I thank the gentleman for offering this amendment. I think it is a great amendment, and I encourage my colleagues to support it and the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.
