On the recordOctober 21, 2015
I thank the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I think that there is one fundamental question in this debate, and that is: Should a child be trapped in a school that traps them? Should a child be trapped in a school that, for whatever reason, isn't working for them but would forever limit their capacity and their potential in life? To me, that is what H.R. 10 is all about. I think it is important to remember that 98 percent of the kids that have entered this program have come from schools that were not performing; and in that regard, this is simply a way out, it is a hand up. I think it fundamentally recognizes that dignity and worth that comes with giving somebody a choice. I think it is something that every human being wants, which is simply a choice. I think it is a recognition of the fact that one size never fits all, that God makes us all different, and therefore a plethora of different choices is vital in the marketplace. Finally, it is recognition of the fact that the marketplace has the ability to create choices that might take forever in other systems, time that these kids do not have. I would ask that we refocus on the kids.
