Mazie Hirono: “I rise today deeply concerned about the state of public education in our country. Public education is foundational. It…”

“I rise today deeply concerned about the state of public education in our country. Public education is foundational. It allows people to get ahead. As simple as that, it is foundational. I have spoken before on the floor about the power of public education in my own life. As an immigrant from Japan, I arrived in this country speaking no English. I started off by trying to learn how to count from 1 to 10--very humble beginnings. But it was the public education I received at schools like Koko Head Elementary and Kaimuki High School that enabled me, an immigrant from very humble beginnings, to learn English and to go on to college, law school, and, ultimately, the U.S. Senate. We should all agree on the importance of a strong public education system for every student in our country. An educated citizenry helps grow the middle class and drive economic success in red and blue States alike. Support for public schools should not be a partisan issue. There are millions of kids who are attending public schools in every single State in our country, so it shouldn't be a partisan issue. But just weeks into the Trump administration, public education is under attack. Already, chain saw-wielding Elon Musk--it is really hard to get rid of that image because he takes such delight in wielding that chain saw and willy-nilly cutting all kinds of government programs that we rely on.…”