Press Releases

U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) issued the following statement today on President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address:

On education reform…

“The quality of our schools has a direct impact on the competitiveness of our workforce, and as chairman, jobs and competitiveness will be leading priorities for the committee. The president’s vocal support will only add to the efforts already underway in Congress to pass meaningful education reform. One year ago House Republicans released our principles for reform, and they will continue to guide our efforts in the weeks and months ahead. States are facing significant challenges and many of those challenges are the result of flawed policies in Washington. These challenges need to be addressed so every child can receive the quality education they need to succeed in a tough and competitive economy.

“State and local leaders are already driving innovative solutions to improve student achievement and accountability. My goal is to pull back federal involvement in the day-to-day operations of our schools to enable them to succeed. I am hopeful the president and Democrats in Congress will join me in reform that does not hinder these local efforts.”  

On job creation…

“I appreciate the president’s focus on jobs, but words alone will not end the economic uncertainty facing employers and put Americans back to work. We need the president and his administration to take action. They can start by shelving policies that are having a chilling effect on America’s employers and that tilt the balance of power away from workers and in favor of powerful special interests. I hope the president and his administration will work with Congress to identify those rules and regulations that are standing in the way of job creation." 

On health care…

“It is disappointing to hear the president maintain his support for a government takeover of health care the American people overwhelmingly rejected. The president continues to stand by a health care law that raises taxes, increases health care costs, and imposes mandates on employers that will destroy jobs. I look forward to leading the Education and the Workforce Committee through an open process that will delve deeply into the Democrats’ flawed health care law and develop real solutions that will lower costs and expand access to affordable care for all Americans.” 

On spending…

“Our commitment to better schools cannot be measured in dollars and cents, but in the results achieved. For thirty years we have devoted greater federal tax dollars to education yet student achievement has remained flat. It is clear we need to rethink education in our country, not double-down on the same flawed philosophy that more spending will lead to better student outcomes.

“I am deeply concerned with the president’s request for additional money for Race to the Top. Congress should not be cutting blank checks to the administration, especially when our national debt exceeds $14 trillion. This request is especially offensive in light of the federal government’s failure to keep its promise to fund special  education. No one can justify funding new federal programs at a time when unfunded federal mandates are increasing the strain on states’ already-strapped budgets.”

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