Press Releases
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds New Overtime Protections for Middle Class Workers
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the Department of Labor published a new rule restoring overtime eligibility for salaried workers. "The Administration took a bold step today toward increasing middle class wages, addressing income inequality, and rebalancing the economy to ensure every family has a fair shot at financial security. After four decades without a meaningful update, federal overtime protections were severely outdated, forcing many salaried employees … Continue Reading
May 10, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds President Obama’s Decision to Visit Hiroshima
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the White House announced President Obama will visit Hiroshima, Japan, later this month. "I strongly support President Obama's decision to become the first sitting American president to visit Hiroshima, Japan. The bombing of Hiroshima is perhaps the world's most poignant reminder of the complexities of war and the unequaled destruction caused by nuclear weapons. Given the mounting challenges to global peace and … Continue Reading
April 29, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Slams Passage of DC Voucher Reauthorization Bill
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement today after the House passed the SOAR Act, H.R. 4901, a bill that reauthorizes the DC voucher program. "I am extremely disappointed that the House has once again voted to reauthorize the DC Voucher program. Public schools represent the duty we have to provide every student, in every community with an education that helps them realize their full potential. Voucher programs prevent us from fulfilling that duty. "Taxpayer … Continue Reading
April 28, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Introduces Legislation to Advance Grid Storage
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced the Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2016, which will create an energy storage research program, loan program, and technical assistance program at the Department of Energy. "As Co-Chair of the Battery Energy Storage Caucus, I believe energy storage is critical to creating a modernized grid and making renewables a more reliable energy source," said Rep. Takano. "This bill provides the needed research investments and programs to build on … Continue Reading
April 21, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano to President Obama: Lead the World to Hiroshima
Washington DC -Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) sent an open letter to President Obama today encouraging him to become the first sitting American president to visit Hiroshima, Japan. It comes a week after Secretary of State John Kerry urged all world leaders to visit the site to remind themselves of the complexities and consequences of war. Rep. Takano visited Hiroshima for the first time in 2002, accompanied by a relative who survived the atomic bomb. After that experience, he writes, "the atomic … Continue Reading
April 13, 2016
Reps. Takano, Hanna Introduce Bipartisan Bill Addressing National Teacher Shortage
Washington DC - Today, Reps. Mark Takano (D-CA) and Richard Hanna (R-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve teacher recruitment and retention by making loan forgiveness options more accessible to educators. The bill is a response to a national teacher shortage that is making it difficult for school districts to fill open positions. Enrollment in teacher preparation programs dropped by 30 percent between 2010 and 2014. There are two primary federal loan forgiveness programs … Continue Reading
April 04, 2016
Rep. Mark Takano Applauds $15 Minimum Wage Laws in California and New York
Washington DC - Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after California Governor Jerry Brown and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed laws that will phase in a $15 minimum wage. "I emphatically support the bold action taken today in California and New York to adopt a phased-in $15 minimum wage. An overwhelming majority of Americans support increasing the minimum wage because they believe - as I do - that no one working full time in America should live in poverty. … Continue Reading
March 31, 2016
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