So often teachers are unfairly blamed for the problems in our nation’s school. I had excellent teachers throughout my education and know many exceptional teachers. In fact, my own experience highlights the difference a good teacher and educational opportunity can make in the life of a student. While we will take an honest look at teacher preparation programs today, I want to commend the hardworkin... Read more »
Research has confirmed teachers have an enormous influence on student learning and performance. Outside of their parents, teachers are often the single greatest influence on students’ ability to build the best possible life for themselves. Whether as a parent or in our own school days, many of us have had the fortune to witness firsthand the impact a truly exceptional educator can have on a child’... Read more »
The Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), today held a hearing entitled, “Providing Access to Affordable, Flexible Health Plans through Self-Insurance.” During the hearing, members discussed the positive benefits enjoyed by workers and employers participating in self-insured health plans and expressed objections to regulatory efforts that would d... Read more »
Rising health care costs remains a significant challenge for workers and job creators nationwide. According to a survey released by the National Small Business Association, 91 percent of employers reported higher costs at their most recent health insurance renewal; one in four experienced cost increases of 20 percent or more. In a report released last Friday, the nonpartisan actuaries at the Cente... Read more »
On Thursday, February 27 at 10:00 a.m., the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, chaired by Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN), will join the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, chaired by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), in holding a hearing entitled, “Exploring Efforts to Strengthen the Teaching Profession.” The hearing will take place in room 2175 of the Ray... Read more »
The ObamaCare credibility gap continues to grow as new evidence of broken promises comes to light. Despite the administration’s repeated pledge health care reform would not harm employment, the New York Times reports teachers and school workers are already experiencing cuts to hours and income thanks to the president’s fatally flawed law: Indiana schools curb student services, cut worker’s hours: ... Read more »
Dear Secretary Duncan: In recent press interviews, you and your staff have confirmed the development of a "50-state strategy" on teacher equity. Specifically, Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education Deb Delisle said states will be required to update their 'highly qualified teacher' plans, noting the department's Office of Civil Rights plans to use its enforcement authority to en... Read more »
On Wednesday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m., the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), will hold a hearing entitled, “Providing Access to Affordable, Flexible Health Plans through Self-Insurance.” The hearing will take place in room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Employers who manage a self-insured health plan assume the financial risk of... Read more »
House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama seeking information on his plans to use executive authority to advance the administration’s preferred higher education policies. Chairman Kline said, “Last summer we successfully worked with ... Read more »
House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) issued the following statement after President Obama signed an executive order affecting federal contractor employees: The president’s failed policies are crushing working families with high unemployment, rising health care costs, and stagnant wages. We need commonsense solutions that will create jobs and raise the wages of all... Read more »
