Rod Grams: “I take this opportunity to again express my strong support for the education proposals currently before the Senate…”

“I take this opportunity to again express my strong support for the education proposals currently before the Senate, which would direct more dollars and decision-making authority to states, teachers, and parents. Today the Senate considers an important bill designed to facilitate education administration and free more resources for our students. The "Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999" would extend the "Education Flexibility Partnership Demonstration Program," otherwise known as "Ed-Flex." Ed-Flex allows eligible local school districts to forgo federal red tape that consumes precious education resources. In return, states must have sufficient accountability measures in place and continue to make progress toward improving student education. States must also comply with certain core federal principles, such as civil rights. The concept of Ed-Flex is simple, yet the benefits would be significant. In other words, let's put more money into educating our kids in the classroom rather than lining the pockets of bureaucrats. The Ed-Flex demonstration program is currently in place in 12 states. The "Ed-Flex Act of 1999" would allow all 50 states the option to participate in the program. With good reason, the program has been very popular. Unnecessary, time-and-money-consuming federal regulations are rightly despised by school administrators.”