Polis Lauds House Passage of Bipartisan Charter Schools Legislation

Statement

Representative Jared Polis (CO-02) today made the following statement after the House of Representatives passed HR 10, The Success and Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Act, by a vote of 360-45:

"Today we worked in a bipartisan manner to pass legislation that will improve education. The Success and Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Act will improve charter school access and services for all students, give charter schools the tools to meet their goal of serving at-risk students, and will ensure that our limited federal investment supports only the replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools.

"As the founder of two public charter school networks serving English language learners in Colorado and New Mexico, I understand how the freedom to innovate and the flexibility to pursue a unique mission can help public charter schools achieve the highest levels of success. All public schools, regardless of governance structure, must live up to our promise of a quality education for every child in every neighborhood. This bipartisan bill recognizes the vital role that strong, accountable charter schools play in improving our education system and helps expand and replicate successful schools.

"I want to thank Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Miller and their staffs for working with me on this legislation which will enhance educational opportunities for students across the nation. I urge Chairman Harkin to take up the Senate's companion bill as soon as possible to ensure there will be no gap in funding the high quality public charter schools that are bringing new hope and optimism to families everywhere."

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