[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 28, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK

  (Mr. BENISHEK asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National School 
Choice Week. I have traveled all across northern Michigan, and I have 
been blessed to visit all kinds of schools in my district. I have met 
with hardworking kids, parents, and teachers who are trying to achieve 
a better future.
  Our education system should not be a one-size-fits-all model. School 
choice programs provide a way for parents to help their children 
succeed. Choice promotes competition in our educational system, which 
will improve the educational outcome for all students.
  While many students are able to prosper by attending their local 
public school, many others are bogged down by outdated rules that 
prevent parents from choosing the best educational fit for their 
children. In order to succeed, parents need options and flexibility, 
not more regulations.
  Michigan has enacted the popular Schools of Choice program, which 
allows parents to send their children to any school in a participating 
district. These are the types of programs that empower parents and 
students instead of teachers' unions and bureaucrats.
  School choice will help to ensure that every child has a chance to 
flourish, and that is why I am a proud supporter of National School 
Choice Week.

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