Conference Report on S. 1177, Student Success Act

Floor Speech

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I rise today in support of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Defending public education is one of the reasons that I came to Congress. For years, we have witnessed a negative impact on public education, from underfunding our schools to stripping teachers of their rights to collectively bargain for fair pay and conditions, like in my home State of Wisconsin.

At the same time, punitive policies which limit teachers' and administrators' abilities to manage their classrooms have further hampered student achievement. It is past time we renew the promise of an ESEA which has students' best interests at heart.

I meet with teachers and administrators from Wisconsin's Second Congressional District regularly and was stunned when I was told that one-third of a school's staff turned over last year because schools lack the financial support and autonomy they need to give students the educational experience they deserve. Teachers are being asked to do more with less, and it is coming at the expense of our kids' education.

While this bill is not perfect, I am pleased that we are finally discussing a bill today that aims to put students first and trusts our teachers, who dedicate their careers to education. This bill trusts and empowers teachers to ensure their voices are heard on the Federal, State, and local level, while increasing teacher quality and professional development and reducing the burden of testing in schools.

These are good improvements, Mr. Speaker, good for our Nation's children. And that is why I support this bill.

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