Congressman Mackenzie’s FLEX Act Advances Through Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, saw his legislation to modernize the federal Charter Schools Program advance through the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

H.R. 7082, the Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Act, updates the existing Charter Schools Program to reduce red tape and provide greater flexibility in how current federal funds are used - ensuring resources reach classrooms more efficiently and respond to the needs of students and families. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

"Throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, thousands of children and their families benefit from access to proven, high-quality charter schools," said Congressman Mackenzie. "The FLEX Act gives these schools the freedom and flexibility they need to double down on what's working for local students. Instead of limiting funding to new schools, we're ensuring that federal education dollars are available to support programs that are already delivering results right here in our community."

"The FLEX Act is about giving public charter schools the resources and support they need to focus on what matters most: our students," said Representative Tokuda. "Increasing flexibility in the use of federal education dollars is especially important in rural places like Hawaiʻi, where public charter schools face real challenges covering transportation, maintaining facilities, paying teachers, and sustaining the programs their communities rely on. That's why I'm proud to support the FLEX Act with Representative Mackenzie to ensure public charter schools can remain community-based, culturally grounded, and intentionally structured to meet the diverse needs of students."

"Charter schools should be able to focus on what they do best - educating children - not bureaucratic compliance exercises. The FLEX Act cuts red tape and allows charter schools to innovate so that they can best meet the needs of their students," said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg. "I commend Rep. Mackenzie for his leadership on this issue and for advancing our committee's mission to empower students while curbing burdensome federal regulation."

"We couldn't be more excited about the Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Act," said Robert Lysek, Founder and CEO of Executive Education Academy Charter School. "If passed, this bill will really help with getting the CSP support needed directly to charter school families and students. This has not been the case with the old outdated approach. We appreciate this new way of thinking that ensures the dollars reach the classrooms."

"Over the past six years, charter schools have added over half a million students. As that number continues to grow, we must make sure the CSP is ready to respond to the changing needs of students and families. The FLEX Act aligns the CSP with how charter schools serve kids today, while locking in flexibilities that set schools up for long-term success," said Starlee Coleman, President & CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. "We are grateful to Representative Mackenzie for introducing this bill, and for his commitment to making sure these resources reach classrooms, where they belong."

"Under current law, Charter Schools Program funding is largely restricted to opening new schools and limited to narrow, one-time costs. Congressman Mackenzie's bill allows high-quality charter schools to use existing funds to expand proven programs, add new academic offerings, and serve more students. The FLEX Act also cuts duplicative reporting requirements and allows funding to be directed to the areas of greatest need each year, rather than locking funds into rigid sub-programs regardless of demand.

The federal Charter Schools Program already plays a vital role in public education, with nearly half of existing charter schools relying on the program at some point in their development. The FLEX Act builds on that foundation by ensuring existing funds are used efficiently, responsibly, and in a way that prioritizes students and families.

The legislation now awaits further consideration by the full House.