Steve Rothman: “today, unfortunately, the Republican leadership in the House has decided to take another step in giving up on public…”

“today, unfortunately, the Republican leadership in the House has decided to take another step in giving up on public school education in America. Mr. Chairman, public school education is the key that has unlocked the door for generation after generation of Americans, the door to the American dream. It was for me, it has been and will be for my children. Besides, what will be next? Do we say to the person who does not like the books in the local public library that we will give them a voucher so they can buy books they like and create a private library in their own home? What about the person who does not like the folks who hang out in the public park? Will we give that person a voucher so they can buy their own swing set in their backyard and call it a private park? No. Because we are still a country that believes in the collective good and in the American dream. Let us fix our public schools: competition through charter public schools. Let us not give up on America's public schools. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.”