Press Releases
Rep. Mark Takano, Former Teacher, Praises FCC for Modernizing the Lifeline Program to Include Broadband
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission voted to modernize the Lifeline program to include high-speed Internet. "I strongly support the FCC's decision to provide low-income families greater access to high-speed Internet by modernizing the Lifeline program. As a teacher, I witnessed the injustice of the digital divide and the effect it has on student performance. Broadband access is no longer a luxury; it is a … Continue Reading
March 16, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano: A Responsible Senate Would Confirm Garland
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. "Merrick Garland is an eminently qualified individual who has earned bipartisan praise and the respect of the legal community throughout his distinguished career. As chief judge of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, where he has served for 19 years, he has demonstrated the integrity, empathy, and reasoned approach to the law that is required of a … Continue Reading
March 16, 2016
Reps. Takano and Wilson Applaud Progress on Overtime Proposal, Lead Education and the Workforce Committee Members in Urging a Final Rule
Washington DC - Today, Reps. Mark Takano (D-CA) and Federica Wilson (D-FL) were joined by 13 Democrats in sending a letter to Director Shaun Donovan urging the Office of Management and Budget to finalize the Labor Department's proposed update to overtime pay rules. The letter applauds Secretary Perez's proposal and calls for the rule to be adopted promptly to help support the fight against income inequality. In its proposed form, the rule would update the Fair Labor Standards Act to make … Continue Reading
February 09, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano “Deeply Disappointed” in Supreme Court Decision to Block Clean Power Plan
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision to block the Obama Administration's Clean Power Plan pending the completion of a legal review. "I am deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision to block the Obama Administration's Clean Power Plan, which is a major piece of the president's strategy to address the growing threat that climate change poses to our economy and security. "This 5-4 decision continues a discouraging … Continue Reading
February 09, 2016
House Passes Veterans Education Bill Authored by Rep. Mark Takano
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill authored by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) to ensure all veterans attending career education programs receive an education that prepares them for a successful career and a positive transition into civilian life. The Career-Ready Student Veterans Act (HR 2360) requires career education programs receiving GI Bill benefits to have programmatic accreditation if required by the state for employment in that specific field. Programs also must prepare … Continue Reading
January 12, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds President Obama’s Final State of the Union
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama's State of the Union address. "Tonight, the president reminded Americans of the progress this country has made over the past seven years and delivered a vision for a future grounded in hope and ambition, instead of fear and isolation. "He reminded us that the source of America's strength is the freedom, opportunity, and dignity we reserve for every American. And most of all, he reminded us that we cannot allow … Continue Reading
January 11, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Introduces Legislation to Address Injustice in For-Profit Probation Industry
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced a bill aimed at stopping for-profit probation companies from violating the constitutional rights of low-income Americans found guilty of traffic violations or minor crimes. In more than a dozen states across the country, people who cannot immediately pay a fine are pushed into a for-profit probation system that can charge unlimited fees and lead to financial ruin or even jail time. Under the current system, which is common in many … Continue Reading
January 05, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Expresses Support for President Obama’s Executive Actions on Gun Control
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama announced new executive actions to address the epidemic of gun violence in America. "I strongly support the executive actions on gun control announced today by President Obama. Every day in America we are reminded that no one is safe from gun violence. We cannot afford to do nothing as our children, friends, co-workers, and law enforcement officers are added to the long list of victims. "The … Continue Reading
December 10, 2015
Rep. Takano Praises Signing of Every Student Succeeds Act
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law. "Today I join teachers, students, parents, and administrators in celebrating the end of No Child Left Behind and welcoming a new chapter in our federal education policy. The Every Student Succeeds Act will provide schools the support and flexibility they need to be successful, and provide students with an environment focused on learning instead … Continue Reading
December 03, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement Regarding Tragedy in San Bernardino
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement regarding the tragedy in San Bernardino. "I join my community in shock and in sadness that such a terrible tragedy has occurred so close to home. My heart is with the victims and their families. I am grateful for the first responders who acted so bravely to prevent an even greater loss of life. "As policymakers, it is our responsibility to establish a system of laws that protects American lives. It is abundantly clear … Continue Reading
December 02, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on House Passage of ESEA Reauthorization
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). "As a former public school teacher of 24 years, I am gratified the House has passed an ESEA reauthorization bill that presses the reset button on our education system. "While well intentioned, No Child Left Behind created a punitive approach to education policy that punishes underperforming schools instead … Continue Reading
November 18, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on the Global Refugee Crisis
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement regarding the global refugee crisis. "In the wake of the tragedy in Paris, it is natural to seek isolation from an increasingly dangerous world. But this is precisely the moment when America's leadership and strength needed most. Any pause in our refugee resettlement program calls into question our commitment to defending the innocent.We must choose our values and our compassion over our fear. "To be clear, the safety … Continue Reading
November 10, 2015
Rep. Takano Releases Statement Following Fifth Circuit Decision on DACA/DAPA
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the Fifth Circuit Court ruled to uphold an injunction blocking the implementation of President Obama's executive actions on immigration. "The Fifth Circuit Court's decision to block President Obama's executive actions on immigration is a disappointing, yet unsurprising result. The ruling reflects the Court's conservative ideology and ignores both the legal precedent of executive actions and the vital contributions … Continue Reading
November 05, 2015
Reps. Takano, Takai, Gibson and Coffman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Restore Veterans’ Education Benefits In Event of School Closure
Washington DC - Reps. Mark Takano (D-CA), Mark Takai (D-HI), Chris Gibson (R-NY) and Mike Coffman (R-CO) introduced bipartisan legislation yesterday that would restore Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to veterans affected by the permanent closure of certain educational institutions. When it suddenly closed earlier this year, Corinthian Colleges, Inc. left more than 400 veterans without a degree or any benefits for school, housing, and other basic necessities. The U.S. Department of … Continue Reading
October 30, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on Deployment of Special Operations Forces to Syria
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after President Obama announced the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to Syria. "Today's announcement that President Obama is deploying US Special Operations Forces to Syria is another reminder that Congress is long overdue for a public debate over our mission and strategy in the Middle East. "Despite the president's request for a new Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) earlier this year, Congress has not … Continue Reading
October 28, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. "The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 is a win for hard-working American families and a clear defeat for the radical right wing of the Republican party. "The bill prevents a 20 percent cut in disability benefits for millions of people, halts a major increase in Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles for millions of seniors, and allows us to … Continue Reading
October 23, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Introduces Intelligent Technologies Initiative Act of 2015
Washington DC - Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) today introduced the Intelligent Technologies Initiative Act of 2015, which will create a grant program to improve transportation safety, efficiency and system performance through innovative technology deployment and operations. This legislation would direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program for eligible entities to implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies in their region. Intelligent Transportation … Continue Reading
October 15, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Releases Report on Poverty in the Inland Empire
Washington, DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released a report today describing the impact of poverty on the Inland Empire and offering solutions that will help thousands of families escape the cycle of persistent poverty. The report, Why Being Poor Never Adds Up, reveals that despite low unemployment and robust growth in the region and across the country, many working families are still struggling. Through a comprehensive review of regional data and economic trends, the report offers a window … Continue Reading
October 09, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Statement Regarding Department of Defense Decision to Place the University of Phoenix on Probation
Washington, DC - Rep. Mark Takano released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced it was barring the University of Phoenix from recruiting on military bases and preventing troops from using tuition assistance for classes at University of Phoenix campuses: "I commend the Department of Defense on taking an important step forward in protecting servicemembers from the deceptive practices of many for-profit colleges. "On too many occasions, our brave men and women in … Continue Reading
October 09, 2015
Rep. Mark Takano Statement on California Governor’s Veto of Bill to Help Corinthian Colleges’ Students
Washington, DC -Mark Takano released the following statement after Governor Jerry Brown vetoed AB 573, a bill offering relief to students affected by the sudden closure of Corinthian Colleges, Inc. "I am extremely disappointed in Governor Jerry Brown's decision to veto AB 573, a bill that would have provided desperately needed financial and legal assistance to the 13,000 Californians harmed by Corinthian Colleges' deceptive and dishonest practices. "Students enrolled in Corinthian Colleges … Continue Reading