Education

Our schools have traditionally been accountable to our states, local government, school boards, and most importantly to parents.  This accountability was significantly altered in 1965 when Congress passed the first Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  ESEA increased the federal government’s role in education, regulations and burdens; from the first ESEA bill which was just 32 pages, to the current No Child Left Behind law which is 670 pages. Unfortunately, this increase in federal bureaucracy results in taxpayer dollars being used for compliance and not in the classroom.  A recent report by the Office of Management and Budget found that states spend 7 million hours and $141 million per year complying with No Child Left Behind.  Other studies suggest that as little as 65-70 cents per dollar in federal funding makes it into the classroom. 

Federal spending has also increased as the federal government takes a predominate role in education.  Since 1985, federal spending for elementary and secondary education has increased by138 percent. However, increased federal spending has not resulted in a better education system. In fact, our student achievement test results have remained constant, as have our graduation rates and student disparity gaps.

With Congress reauthorizing ESEA this year, we must promote an educational system that returns schools’ accountability to our state and local government and parents who know their students’ specific needs. I am proud to cosponsor legislation which requires states to meet core federal requirements while removing duplicative, burdensome, federal bureaucracy and red tape. This allows our states to utilize their federal funding to create innovative and effective solutions that address the particular issues facing their schools. 

Our post-secondary schools also provide quality educational programs to a variety of students with a variety of needs. With our limited budget, Congress must streamline programs and reduce waste and abuse.  This allows us to responsibly cut funding while ensuring students receive the education and training needed to be productive members of society. Congress must also remove bureaucratic barriers to education such as overreaching regulations that hamper innovative educational programs.

For more information concerning my work and views on education, please contact my Washington, DC office. I look forward to your feedback.