Elijah Lewis: “It has been 3 years since a GAO report found that 1 out of every 3 of our Nation's schools are in need of major…”

“It has been 3 years since a GAO report found that 1 out of every 3 of our Nation's schools are in need of major reconstruction and repair. Public school buildings are crumbling. Our schoolteachers are dealing with overcrowded classrooms. Many of our schools are fighting a war on drugs and violence. Parents and teachers in my own district tell me about these problems and the lack of resources in the public schools in Atlanta. The GAO report shows that these problems exist nationwide, because overcrowded students attend classes in closets, hallways and even bathrooms. Yet, in 3 years, the Republican leadership has done nothing to address these devastating problems. Nine out of 10 children in America attend public schools. The bill before us does nothing to address the problems that they face. In fact, this bill is nothing new. It is just the latest assault on public schools by the opponents of public education. The Republican record is clear. It is anti-public education.”