U.S. House Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline (R-MN) issued the following statement on Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s visit to Minnesota:
“I’m pleased Secretary Duncan will be in my home state of Minnesota today to discuss education. Our education system is in critical need of improvement, but we have all seen what can result when Congress hastily crafts sweeping legislation to meet an arbitrary deadline. The future success of America’s students is far too important to risk on a flawed process.
“Instead of focusing on timelines and rhetoric, the House Education and the Workforce Committee is advancing a series of thoughtful reform initiatives that will address key areas for improvement in the nation’s classrooms. Just last week, the committee approved the Setting New Priorities in Education Spending Act, which will streamline and simplify the federal role in education. Tomorrow, we will hold a hearing to discuss another of our reform priorities - expanding and improving high quality charter schools. And in the coming weeks, we will introduce a proposal focused on providing funding flexibility to states and school districts.
“It is time to set preconceived notions aside and chart a new course that encourages innovation, reduces federal regulatory burdens, and puts the needs of students first. We look forward to working with the administration and the Senate in this effort."
