New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to Keynote AFC's National Policy Summit

Christie, a national education reform leader, will address the American Federation for Children's National Policy Summit next month in his home state

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will deliver a keynote address at the American Federation for Children's third annual National Policy Summit, to be held on May 3-4, 2012 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Governor Christie, who has championed school choice and education reform since even before his election as the Garden State's chief executive in 2009, is one of the nation's leading voices advocating for parental empowerment in education. Christie was also the keynote speaker at the Federation's first annual summit two years ago in Washington, D.C.

"We're honored to once again welcome Governor Christie to discuss the importance of education reform and school choice in New Jersey and nationwide," said Betsy DeVos, chairman of the American Federation for Children. "Governor Christie stands with a growing chorus of leaders from across the political spectrum who are committed to putting children first and empowering parents with educational options."

Prior to his election as governor, Christie was the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey for seven years and, before that, a lawyer and member of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders in New Jersey. Since becoming governor, he has made education reform a key part of his agenda, calling for passage of bipartisan legislation to provide tax credit scholarships for children in low-income families, the creation of more public charter schools, and tenure reform.

The 2012 National Policy Summit, School Choice Now: Breakthrough Victories for Children, will focus on the landmark expansion of educational options for children in 2011 and the need to accelerate education reform legislation in 2012 and beyond. It is the nation's premier annual gathering for advocates interested in the intersection of education, politics, and public policy.

In addition to the governor's address, the Summit will include a series of panel discussions with state legislators, business and education leaders, and the nation's leading researchers on school choice programs. In addition, AFC previously announced that Juan Williams, one of the nation's leading commentators and author of three books, will speak about his own support for school choice.

For more information or register to attend the Summit, please visit www.AFCPolicySummit.com.

SOURCE American Federation for Children