Erik Paulsen: “I would like to thank both Chairman Kline for his leadership, along with Ranking Member Miller, and for their working…”

“I would like to thank both Chairman Kline for his leadership, along with Ranking Member Miller, and for their working together to bring this very important legislation to the floor today. I also need to thank my colleague, Congressman Polis, with whom I cochair the Charter Schools Caucus, for his leadership and passion on education issues. Mr. Chairman, we need to pass this legislation. This is an opportunity to work together because H.R. 10 will ensure that students' ZIP codes do not determine the quality of their education. There are too many students across the country who are trapped in failing schools, with little hope of ever escaping. Parents want the best for their children, but many parents are often left with only two options: either an expensive private school or a failing public school. Thankfully, many more families now have this third option of a high- quality charter school. Recently, I had the chance to visit Beacon Preparatory School in Bloomington, Minnesota, which is in my district. While there, I saw students who were thriving in their classes. I saw dedicated teachers. I saw challenging academics. Charter schools are not tied down by a lot of bureaucratic red tape or by outdated traditions. In fact, charter schools are creating very new and innovative ways of learning that can help grab students' attention and make them more excited to learn. Mr.…”