Hoyer Statement on Democrats' Alternative to Reauthorize ESEA

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after House Democrats on the Education and Workforce Committee introduced a proposal earlier this week to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The proposal included a provision to establish full-service community schools nationwide, similar to Maryland's Judy Centers model:

"Earlier this week, House Democrats on the Education and Workforce Committee put forward a proposal to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which included a provision that authorizes a competitive grant program to expand the number of full-service community schools at the K-12 level across the country. Full-service community schools, which I have been a long-time supporter of, are an innovative approach to help students and their parents access a full range of critical services all in one place, such as literacy courses and career counseling. This model builds on the success of Maryland's Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Centers, or Judy Centers, which are early education centers named after my late wife. There are currently 36 Judy Centers across the state of Maryland.

"Unfortunately, House Republicans on the Committee instead chose to pass a partisan reauthorization of ESEA that will leave more children behind, rather than promote student success. I hope that Congress will come together and pass a bipartisan reauthorization that invests in the education we need to secure and expand access to the American Dream for future generations of Marylanders."