As a parent who was very involved in public education for 15 years, I was excited when I heard that the House would consider a bill about parental involvement in public schools. But instead of fostering meaningful collaboration between parents and educators, the partisan bill put forward by House Republicans, the so-called ‘Parents Bill of Rights,’ misses the mark and puts politics over parents.

Despite its misleading title, the bill will not grant any new rights and does not represent what the vast majority of public school parents want or need, which is safe public schools that prepare all students for the future. I introduced an alternative, which you can read about below.

I have also introduced bipartisan legislation to make the transition from high school to college easier for students with disabilities by making the support services they need more accessible and affordable. The RISE Act will reduce expensive and unnecessary requirements that students with disabilities face when entering college, and it will help improve the ability of students with disabilities to complete college.

Introducing the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents

My experience volunteering in schools led me to run for elected office, and it continues to inform my work in Congress. I introduced the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents because we need an inclusive, affirmative vision for public education.

We listened and worked hard to write this resolution to be inclusive of parents and students from all backgrounds. We collaborated with several organizations that represent parents – like the National PTA - educators, civil rights advocates, and more. At the time of this newsletter, more than 250 organizations have endorsed the bill. You can read what they have to say about the legislation here.

Fostering collaboration between parents and their children’s educators will make our schools and communities safer and advance opportunities for all students to obtain a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future, regardless of what path they take in life.

Visiting the North Coast

Opportunities for students

It’s time for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition! The competition is an annual celebration of the talented student artists in our district and across the country. I look forward to seeing what students create this year. Submissions are due by April 28. Details about how to participate are here.

 ICYMI

• Want to more know about how the Inflation Reduction Act can save you money? I’m holding a webinar with a tax expert
• I sought to clarify what my colleague meant by his use of the word “woke”
• I spoke out against the further stigmatization of trans students
• With the assistance of my staff, Artists Repertory Theatre received all the funding they applied for after months of delay