Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Terri Sewell voted against H.R. 5, the so called Student Success Act, saying the bill diverts much needed resources from poorer school districts to wealthier schools.

“I cannot support the reverse-Robin Hood approach to educational funding contained in H.R. 5, the so-called Student Success Act. This bill would divert Title 1 funds away from poor school districts to wealthier schools, further tilting the playing field against underprivileged children. 

“More than 70 percent of students in my district live in poverty. And of the 26 school districts that serve my constituents, only 2 of them have a poverty rate of less than 56 percent. H.R. 5 would take more than $7 million from the highest need schools in my district and across Alabama, and redistribute that money better off communities.

“H.R. 5 neglects our sacred responsibility to ensure all children -- regardless of race, socioeconomic class, or disability -- are given the same opportunity to obtain a high-quality, public education. This methodology contained in this bill is backwards, and our children deserve so much better.”

Rep. Sewell spoke on the House floor about the need for a bipartisan bill to replace the flawed No Child Left Behind. Her speech can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Hn6Zd36ojHI

###