Dear Nicholas,
Thank you for contacting me about the nomination of Betsy DeVos to be Secretary of Education. I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, on January 20, 2017, President Trump nominated Betsy DeVos to serve as the next Secretary of Education. For 28 years, Mrs. DeVos has worked on behalf of children, parents, and teachers to ensure that all children, regardless of income level or zip code, are not trapped in low-performing or failing schools. Because of Mrs. DeVos's work to expand charter schools, virtual schools, school choice, tuition tax credits, and education savings accounts, hundreds of thousands of children that had been trapped in low-performing and failing schools have gained access to a quality education.
Mrs. DeVos understands the necessity of a high quality education for all Americans, including students with disabilities. Mrs. DeVos is dedicated to enforcing the rights of students with disabilities and giving them the best education possible-including giving their parents the freedom to choose the best school or environment to help their children thrive. Mrs. DeVos has also stated that, if confirmed, she would direct the Department of Education to fund research on evidence-based practices that best aid in educating students with disabilities.
Like Mrs. DeVos, I have long been a supporter of education reforms that allow parents to choose the schools their children attend. No one cares more about a child, or knows a child better, than the child's parents. Giving parents the ability to choose the best school for their children can only help children achieve their potential. Many states and cities around the country have already implemented successful school choice programs, resulting in increased test scores, graduation rates, and a brighter future for children.
These reforms are a positive game-changer for our country by harnessing badly needed competition to lift education standards for all children - especially those from lower income families who often otherwise must attend sub-par schools.
I appreciate hearing from you, and value knowing your views on Mrs. DeVos. I believe she will make a great Secretary of Education, and I look forward to supporting her nomination.
Thank you again for your correspondence. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
