House Education Bill Increases School Inequality

Washington, DC – On Wednesday, the House of Representatives narrowly passed H.R. 5, the reauthorization the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), who voted against the bill, released the following statement:

“I am deeply disappointed in yesterday’s vote. This reauthorization was an opportunity to invest in all of our students: to reauthorize a historic civil rights law that aims to lift children out of poverty through the power of education. Our education laws should ensure all students, regardless of background, have a chance at success, but unfortunately, that chance is not reflected in the bill passed last night. Instead of much needed funding increases, this bill actually cuts programs intended to help struggling schools. The bill allows what money is available for our highest-need schools to be funneled away into wealthier districts. By abandoning low-income students, H.R. 5 is creating a new segregation in our schools. This is the wrong direction for our country.”

The Student Success Act (H.R. 5), passed by a vote of 218-213.