In Case You Missed It

This morning, U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline (R-MN) appeared on Bill Bennett’s Morning in America radio program to announce the third in the committee’s series of education reform bills designed to overhaul current elementary and secondary education law.

The State and Local Funding Flexibility Act will provide states and school districts maximum flexibility in the use of federal education funds. Earlier this summer, the committee approved the Setting New Priorities in Education Spending Act (H.R. 1891) and the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act (H.R. 2218). The latest piece of legislation builds on the committee’s efforts to reduce the federal footprint in American classrooms and put education decisions back in the hands of state chiefs, school administrators, principals, teachers, and other local leaders. Kline plans to formally introduce the legislation later this afternoon.

During the interview, Chairman Kline said the State and Local Funding Flexibility Act “addresses the problem I’ve heard from superintendents all across the country.” “It’s very, very frustrating for [superintendents] to see money that they could get their hands on if the government would allow them to do so,” said Chairman Kline.  “It has been perplexing to them and frustrating to schools all across the country that they cannot move money to where they need it.” The State and Local Funding Flexibility Act will correct this problem by allowing states and school districts to determine the best uses for federal funds received under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Education Jobs Fund.

To listen to the interview, click here. To learn more about the State and Local Funding Flexibility Act (H.R. 2445), click here.  

# # #