U.S. Rep. Castor Opposes Republican Education Bill that Slashes Funding for Public Schools Nationwide

Press Release

Today the U.S. House of Representatives will consider the harmful Republican education overhaul that undermines the commitment to a quality education for all students across America. Republicans propose to slash overall education funding, including an unconscionable diversion of funds from working-class students to wealthier school districts -- perpetrating a reverse Robin Hood on the most disadvantaged children. Indeed, Hillsborough County Public Schools stands to lose $3.6 million in Title I funding this year alone, according to a White House report. Overall, the Republican bill proposes to slash an estimated $437 million from Florida public schools over the coming years.

The Republican bill also removes key standards for success and the 50-year commitment to equity in public education that ensures all American children, regardless of where they live, have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education.

"While "No Child Left Behind' needs to be fixed, the Republican bill is too radical and extreme," said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) of HR5, also opposed by leading education advocates and teachers. "Republicans cheat our students when they weaken America's commitment to ensure that every child has an opportunity to learn and succeed, no matter where they live."

Title I provides financial assistance to school districts and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from working-class families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Federal funds are currently allocated through four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty estimates and the cost of education in each state. By freezing Title I spending at FY2015 levels for the next six years, communities across America stand to lose $7.3 billion on education.

In addition, today's bill siphons more money from public schools to private entities in an irresponsible use of public tax monies.

"More public money for charter schools and less money for public schools is a disturbing Republican trend. In Florida, the Republican Legislature and Florida Gov. Rick Scott for the past several years have outright taken taxpayer money for the capital maintenance of our public schools and simply handed it to private, for-profit charter schools -- in some years leaving our public schools with $0 for capital maintenance," U.S. Rep. Castor said.

HR5 also eliminates standards that ensure students graduate from high school, eliminates requirements that schools take action when students struggle to achieve at grade-level and does not require that states set high standards to graduate students who are college and career-ready.

"While a Harvard study earlier this year ranked Hillsborough County third worst place for poor children to be able to climb the ladder of success and escape poverty, we simply cannot stand to lose support for children and schools in challenging neighborhoods," U.S. Rep. Castor added. "The radical Republican plan to weaken our public schools is unacceptable in the face of the 21st century economy that demands top-notch skills so our students can secure high-paying jobs and their financial future."

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