As the son of public school educators, I have always held a public school education in the highest regard.  As parents, educators, and public officials, we have an obligation, a moral duty, to ensure that students, from pre-school to high school and beyond receive the highest quality education possible in order to provide them with the necessary tools they need to succeed in today’s complex and technological world. 

The most important component to our children’s education is our teachers.  Today more than ever, our educators face new obstacles and challenges.  As my parents celebrate their retirement and lifetime of dedication to public education this weekend, I am once again struck with tremendous respect and gratitude for all educators and their personal commitment to our children.   

By properly educating our students and providing them with the tools they need in order to become successful adults, we can ensure that Arkansas’s students will be among the best and brightest in the country.  In order to do this, we must provide our teachers with the resources and support they need.  We must not forget, today’s teachers shape the very foundation of Arkansas’s future. 

As your Representative in the United States Congress, I will work towards passing legislation that benefits our students and their educators.  I hope you will join me in wishing both our students and teachers well as they begin the next year of their journey towards academic excellence and achievement.