Pence breaks 50-50 tie and pushes forward likely the worst Sec of Education in history. 

Pat Toomey's very late response (I first contacted him by phone and in writing in mid January opposing DeVoid . . . Errrrr I mean DeVos) to my opposition. His response is a deflection rather than an answer. He does not directly address DeVos' lack of qualifications or experience in education. He just applauds her efforts in fundraising, advocating, and lobbying against the public school system in favor of private, online, and charter schools at taxpayer expense. He did not address the fact that, unlike public schools, these schools do not have to live up to the same standards as public schools when it comes to teacher certification, adherence to education standards, and school administrators who are in for personal profits. Mr. Toomey also refuses to answer if the generous contributions by DeVos to Toomey's re-election campaign had any influence on his vote.

Mr. Toomey does not seem to understand that the overwhelming constituent response by mail, phone, and visits to his office in opposition to the DeVos is what he should be listening to instead of his partisan political colleagues. He should work for the people, not his party. Here is his late response to my concerns:


Dear Mr. ,
Thank you for contacting me about the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, on January 20, 2017, President Trump nominated Betsy DeVos to serve as the Secretary of Education. For 28 years, Secretary DeVos 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 Secretary 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.
Secretary DeVos understands the necessity of a high quality education for all Americans, including students with disabilities. Secretary 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. Secretary DeVos has also stated that she will direct the Department of Education to fund research on evidence-based practices that best aid in educating students with disabilities.
Like Secretary 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.
On February 7, 2017, the Senate voted 50-50 on Mrs. DeVos's nomination to be Secretary of Education, with Vice President Pence casting a tie-breaking vote to confirm her. I look forward to working with Secretary DeVos and the Department of Education to ensure that all children are able to attain a quality education.
Thank you again for your correspondence. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
 
Signature
Pat Toomey
U.S. Senator, Pennsylvania



I did reply to this letter expressing my disappointment in his vote and his "explanation".

I doubt that he will address any real issues or concerns, but continue to deflect.

Last edited by Rongone (3/03/2017 5:34 pm)