NCLB expected to pass and be signed into law
On Dec. 7, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander hosted a teleconference call with Tennessee television and radio stations to discuss the Republican Senate’s year of legislative activities, including his legislation to fix No Child Left Behind, which (as of Monday) Alexander expected to pass this week and be signed into law.
[Editor’s note: This passed on Dec. 9, and President Obama signed it into law on Dec. 10.]
He believes the Every Student Achieves Act will reverse the trend toward a national school board, end the federal Common Core mandate, and restore to states, communities and teachers the responsibility for improving student achievement.
Summarized, the Every Student Succeeds Act:
- Repeals adequate yearly progress and replaces it with a statewide accountability system.
- Maintains important information about student performance.
- Affirms state, rather than federal, control of standards.
- Helps states to improve low-performing schools.
- Improves accountability for learning outcomes for all students.
- Targets funds to at-risk children.
- Helps states increase teacher quality.
- Supports at-risk populations.
- Provides greater funding flexibility to enhance support for students and schools.
- Promotes high-quality choices for parents.
- Maintains and strengthens critical programs.
Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said on Dec. 3, “Moving forward on these last steps to finally fix No Child Left Behind is great news for students, parents, teachers, and communities in Washington state and across the country. I look forward to the Senate voting to reduce reliance on high-stakes testing, invest in improving and expanding access to early learning programs, ensure all students have access to a quality education, and so much more.
Read a more detailed summary of the act and download Alexander’s comments online.
Fincher proclaims victory for U.S. job creators
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Stephen Fincher (TN-08) released the following statement Dec. 4 after the U.S. Senate passed his bill to reform and reauthorize the Export Import Bank of the United States.
Fincher’s legislation will extend the Bank’s charter through 2019 with some of the strongest reforms to the Bank since President Ronald Reagan’s overhaul in 1980. His bill will allow the Bank to continue supporting American exports and thousands of jobs across the country.
Clearing this final hurdle, his legislation is expected to be signed into law within the next week – finally giving American exporters the certainty they need to tackle new markets and create jobs here at home.
“I came to Washington to expand opportunities and promote job creation for hardworking Ameri-cans. That’s why I’ve fought tirelessly for more than a year on behalf of the thousands of people whose livelihoods rely on the Ex-Im Bank.
“Last night’s vote in the Senate was a big win for job creators across the country. After months of uncertainty, our exporters will once again have the tools and resources they need to compete on a level playing field globally, while boosting economic growth in their communities.
“I commend my colleagues in Congress who joined me in doing the right thing and standing up for American workers.”
He explained the need for his bill earlier on Dec. 3, saying, “Since June, the future of the Ex-Im Bank has been in limbo. While other countries have been securing large export deals, American companies have been placed at a competitive disadvantage — forced to compete globally with one hand tied behind their back.”
