Rep. Rutigliano Signs Petition Forcing Full Public Hearing on Common Core

HARTFORD – State Representative Dave Rutigliano (R-123) were among the 51 Republican legislators signing a petition forcing Democrats to hold formal public hearings on the Common Core State Standards and public school teacher evaluation standards.

After the Democratic leadership in the Education Committee refused to raise any bills regarding either issue, House Republicans resorted to a rarely-used rule that allows a bill to be raised by legislative petition as opposed to being raised by committee leadership.

“Even with the growing chorus of educators, parents, and countless others coming out against these programs, the leadership chose to deny the public their right to have input on our public education system,” Rep. Rutigliano said. “The Governor and the Democrats wanted to have closed, controlled hearings on issues that will have a significant impact on the entire public school system. We felt this was a necessary step to give the public the debate and accountability they deserve. No matter what side of this issue you are on, who can argue with the public having their say?”

The two bills that will be raised under Joint Rule 11 are a House Republican Caucus proposal regarding the acceptance of the latest revisions to the Performance Evaluation Advisory Council (PEAC) teacher evaluations, and a bill from Representative Marilyn Giuliano (R-23) that would place a moratorium on the implementation of the Common Core State Standards pending a public hearing and investigation by the State Department of Education on the standards’ potential impact.

Under Rule 11, upon receiving the signed petitions, the Legislative Commissioners’ Office will prepare the requested bills and forward them to the House clerk for processing and referral to the Education Committee, who will then begin the process toward holding the public hearing.

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