On the recordFebruary 26, 2015
I appreciate the gentlewoman's concern and the purpose of this amendment; however, it must be opposed. Comprehensive literacy and reading programs and their connection to college and career success are obviously vitally important. Since State and local educational officials understand the importance of reading proficiency, including the benefits of teaching comprehension, vocabulary, and other skills, I am confident that these officials will see the benefits of programs like this and choose to use their local academic flexible grant under this bill to fund programs like this. The block grant is designed to be flexible, thereby allowing local education officials to use the funds in a way that most benefits their students. We do not want to start rebuilding the silos that we have just knocked down with this bill language. I believe this amendment, unfortunately, would do that very thing by requiring this instruction instead of letting State and local school districts, teachers, parents, local taxpayers, and school officials decide what is best for their students. I agree, again, with the importance of this issue, but oppose the amendment as the underlying bill already provides States and school districts funding flexibility to set their own priorities, not letting Washington do it. I encourage my colleagues, on that basis then, to oppose this amendment but still support the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR.…
