Sue Myrick: “I am happy to help dispel this myth that school choice is going to destroy our public schools. The evidence shows that…”

“I am happy to help dispel this myth that school choice is going to destroy our public schools. The evidence shows that existing schools, the programs that participate in them, whether they are vouchers, charter schools or tax credits, have had a significant and positive impact on both the public schools and the children that they assist. Time and again, from Wisconsin to Florida, schools and cities with choice have larger improvements on their standardized test scores than similar schools that do not face competition. While choice gives parents the ability to choose where their children go to school, it also gives failing schools the incentive to improve. This is a win-win situation for all children, but especially poor children who do not have the means to switch to better schools as some parents do today. I believe that school choice has, at its heart, just one simple idea, and that is quality education for everyone. As the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink), the speaker before me, just said, no child should be left behind. It is a concept that I will continue to work for as a public official, as a parent, and as a grandparent. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this worthwhile amendment.”