Rep. Mark Takano Issues Statement on the Student Success Act

Washington DC – Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) voted “no” on H.R. 5, the Student Success Act and issued the following statement:

 

“Earlier today, I voted against the Student Success Act that was introduced by House Republicans. Despite the legislation's name and its stated goal to fix the flawed No Child Left Behind Act, it does just the opposite.

 

“This legislation harms students – plain and simple. It guts education funding by locking in the sequester, rolls back numerous protections for disadvantaged students, and removes important accountability provisions that ensure all students receive an equal education.

 

“As an educator for over 20 years, I’m particularly bothered by the components that fail the teachers and principals who serve our schools. Fixing our education system is a complicated issue, and shifting the blame solely onto the shoulders of educators is not only wrong, it’s harmful.

 

“Our education system has issues and real fixes are needed, but I consider this legislation a failed opportunity to address those issues and voted no.”