Donald M. Payne: “I rise today in adamant opposition to the "Help Empower Low-income Parents Scholarship Bill." Do not be moved by…”

“I rise today in adamant opposition to the "Help Empower Low-income Parents Scholarship Bill." Do not be moved by supporters of this bill who claim that by opposing this legislation you are supporting schools that fail to serve children well. Let me make it clear that I certainly do not support schools that are not able to perform the basic task of teaching children how to read and write. However, I will not give up on the public education system of this country. I will not give up on this system because it has served as the great equalizer for people of this nation. The civil rights movement was based on the notion that if all people are able to have the opportunity to receive a quality education then we truly will make real steps toward equality. By supporting schools that are designed to serve all children we uphold this vision. Giving up on our school system and this notion of educational equality is exactly what this bill will accomplish.”