|
Statements
from Rep. Skip Priest and Pat Sullivan on education reform bill passage
Cosponsors of House Bill 2261
pleased with progress on
needed updates to state's schools
House
Bill 2261, the first overhaul of Washington's education system since
1993, passed the Senate April 16. The cosponsors of the measure issued
the following statements:
Rep. Skip Priest, R-Federal Way:
"I
am extremely pleased many of the original recommendations from the Basic
Education Finance Task Force were left in the legislation. I am
particularly happy to see us keep our commitment to phase-in early
learning for at-risk children. The bill moves the ball forward on
education reforms we have known for many years need to happen. If we
truly want every child to succeed and have the education to compete in
the economy of today and tomorrow, the steps in this legislation are
critical.
"As
many of us have pointed out, the bill could have been stronger. However,
I believe this bill puts in place solid guidelines that will move us
along the right path for our children.
"This
was an incredible group effort. We owe a great deal of thanks to League
of Education Voters, Stand for Children, Washington State Parent Teacher
Association, Public School Employees, Superintendents, State Board of
Education, our school librarians and many, many more folks that care
deeply about our children and their education. It was an extraordinary
effort and a lot of good work was done to move these landmark reforms
forward today."
Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington:
“We’re
incredibly close to making the most historic changes to our state’s
education system in 30 years. Thousands of parents, teachers, students,
business leaders and education leaders have taken part in the
conversation about how we can ensure each of our children graduates with
the skills and knowledge to achieve great things for themselves and for
our state.
“Those
people are now depending on the Legislature to take decisive action. I
thank all of those who have fought passionately for change in our
system. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and am committed to delivering
something to the Governor that will significantly improve how we fund
education and ensure that a basic education is in fact a quality
education.”
The
measure now heads to the House for concurrence on the Senate amendment.
# # #
For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
|