On the recordFebruary 8, 2018
As school children rise across America to go to a place of work for them, but a place of joy, of learning, I rise today to reenforce the importance of education in the State of Texas. The Texas education administrator, along with the Governor of the State of Texas, will be receiving a letter from me reaffirming the plea of local officials--both governmental and educational officials--to give Texas school children, because of the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, a waiver for 2 years for them to be able to improve their scores and to keep the schools open that the parents and the community want to have open. Many of my school districts--seven of which I represent--have faced the tragedy of Hurricane Harvey: the displacement or relocation of their children and the devastation of their schools, including the Houston Independent School District. It has historic schools. So my plea is that this is, likewise, a Federal issue. I was a strong supporter of the SUCCESS Act where we look at different elements, other than testing. Let's look at the holistic aspect of the school children of Houston. Let's give them a waiver. Let's understand Hurricane Harvey. Let's fix the schools and keep them open. That is my fight, and that is my commitment. ____________________
