Jennifer Wexton on Education

Every child deserves a world-class public education

A: In the State Senate, I have always been in the minority party, but have found bipartisan success with legislation that helps kids and families. I've written and passed laws that make our children safer in daycares and online, combat the heroin and opioid crisis, help ease traffic congestion, and get much-needed resources to victims of domestic violence. In Congress, my legislative priorities will always be guided by my core values. I believe that our role as leaders is to do the most good for the most people. I believe that leaders must be accountable to those they seek to represent. I believe that every child deserves a world-class public education, no matter their zip code. I believe that no one should face discrimination because of the god they worship or whom they love. I believe that access to affordable health care is a right, not a privilege. And I believe that it shouldn't be easier to buy a gun than it is to vote.

Voted YES on private lawsuits for school race discrimination.

Legislative Summary:This bill authorizes private civil causes of action for discrimination on the ground of race, color, or national origin, including anti-Semitism) in programs receiving federal financial assistance.

Trump's Statement of Administration Policy (against): The Administration strongly opposes passage of H.R. 2574. This bill fails to advance equality in education, while expanding bureaucracy, encouraging burdensome litigation, and imposing costs on recipients of Federal financial assistance. H.R. 2574 seeks to validate and expand the divisive regulatory agenda of the previous administration--advancing an ideological mission and enriching favored special interests like trial lawyers at the expense of students, educators, and taxpayers. The bill would require each recipient of Federal financial assistance to appoint a compliance coordinator, which would impose additional administrative burdens. H.R. 2574 would redirect vital resources that are needed to serve students in the pursuit of an ideological agenda.

Rep. Elaine Luria in support: H.R. 2574 would allow private individuals to file lawsuits under the Civil Rights Act's Title VI authority, allowing students and parents to remedy discrimination in education. "Every student has the right to access public education, free from discriminatory practices, said Congresswoman Luria. "By focusing on equity and inclusion, we move towards a public education system that is more just and will benefit every student, regardless of sex, ethnicity, ability, or their zip code."

Legislative outcome:Passed House 232-188-10, roll no. 192 on Sept 16, 2020; died in Senate without a vote.