PLANO - Today, Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) sent a letter to the United States Department of Education regarding standardized testing amidst uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Addressed to United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the letter urges the Department of Education to grant a waiver to the State of Texas on certain federal requirements for states, including the requirement to administer standardized testing.

In the letter, Congressman Van Taylor states, "I write to you today on behalf of students, teachers, parents, and other education leaders who are facing tremendous uncertainty as our nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many schools across the state of Texas are currently closed, and we are concerned that federally-mandated standardized testing may no longer be feasible this spring for every district." He continues, "It is for these reasons that I ask that you to grant a waiver from these requirements to the State of Texas without delay."

On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott announced he is also formally requesting a waiver from Federal standardized testing requirements for the State of Texas.

The text of the letter can be found here.

Background
With Congressman Taylor's support, Congress passed H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $7.8 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations for the United States response to coronavirus on March 3, 2020.

On March 13, 2020, President Donal Trump declared a National Emergency.

On March 14, 2020, lawmakers passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, off the House Floor. H.R. 6201 provides additional authorities and resources for the U.S. response to coronavirus.

Please visit VanTaylor.house.gov/coronavirus for regular updates on this evolving situation.

A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.

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