Sen. Baucus Reaches Out to Montanans on New Education Bill

Senator Seeking Input from Montana Educators, Parents, Students

Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus is reaching out to Montana educators, parents and students for input as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee unveiled its plan to overhaul the No Child Left Behind Act. The legislation is available online HERE http://help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/ROM117523.pdf .

"This is a major piece of legislation with implications for nearly every classroom and nearly every family in Montana. I encourage folks to share their ideas and thoughts on my website, by calling me or writing. I’m going to be looking at it closely to see what makes sense for Montana and what doesn’t and fighting to make sure we have a voice in this process," Baucus said. "It’s critical that we hear from a broad variety of Montanans on how this bill will affect the way we educate our students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed."

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) released the draft reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act today. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will mark up the proposal next Tuesday, October 18, 2011. The legislation proposes to do away with many of the arduous requirements under No Child Left Behind, passed in 2001, including Adequate Yearly Progress requirements which have been widely criticized by the education community.

Baucus is urging educators and all Montanans to share their thoughts on the new proposal.

Comments can be submitted electronically on Baucus’ website HERE http://www.baucus.senate.gov/?p=contact .

Written comments can be mailed to:

Senator Max Baucus

Attention: Education Bill Ideas

511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Additional information:

Links to the bill and summary can be found on the Senate HELP Committee website: HERE http://help.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=b4d24a56-5056-9502-5d73-a45a120b096b .