Debbie Mucarsel-Powell on Education

Opposes Florida's "Stop WOKE Act" in schools

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): No. Opposes Florida's "Stop WOKE Act" that banned race-based conversations. Opposes limits on teaching about slavery; "we must include all... of our history for our children so that they can... build a better future." Supported a national anti-bullying bill.

Rick Scott (R): Yes. "It is time for schools to stop pushing these woke ideologies." Supports Florida's restrictions on teaching sexuality and gender identity in schools. Students should not be taught that "some Americans are oppressors and others are oppressed."

Cancel student debt, or at least cancel interest

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Yes. Supports canceling student debt. With student debt, "the consumer loses & only the financial institutions profit." Sponsored a bill to kill interest on federal student loans.

Rick Scott (R): No. "Biden's student loan bailout will cost ALL Americans." It's a "socialist handout." Schools should be "on the hook for student debt."

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.