On the recordFebruary 25, 2015
I would like to thank my colleague from Florida for allowing me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5, Student Success Act. This bill would continue unnecessary and arbitrary K-12 education funding cuts and erode accountability for historically underserved students. We should be preparing the next generation, but this bill is a step backwards in achieving academic excellence for 90 percent of the Nation's students. Mr. Speaker, diverse organizations across not only my State, the great State of Ohio, but across this Nation, educational organizations, educational funding organizations, parents and lawyer advocacy groups, business leaders and groups, disability and exceptional children's groups, and the NAACP and civil rights organizations are against this and very concerned about this bill. Mr. Speaker, the way we fund all of our schools and educate all of our young scholars is a reflection on our values and commitment to equality. {time} 1315 Access to education is a civil right. It is the key to the middle class and to a prosperous nation. This bill would constrain educational opportunity and equality. We need an education bill that improves education and that invests in all of our children. H.R. 5 fails our children, Mr. Speaker, and H.R. 5 fails our Nation.
