Nita Lowey: “this is not about special ed or school construction. We should be doing both. Yes, education is a priority, should be a…”

“this is not about special ed or school construction. We should be doing both. Yes, education is a priority, should be a priority, and I would hope it could be a bipartisan priority. I rise to support this motion because, Mr. Speaker, schools are crumbling across this country. Classrooms are literally overflowing. Students are learning in hallways, but the leadership of this Congress just sits idly by. Yes, this is the public mandate. It should be a public mandate. We have a responsibility to rebuild our schools and make sure that every youngster has the opportunity to learn. Last year nearly 120 Members of Congress showed their commitment to America's children by cosponsoring H.R. 1104, the Partnership to Rebuild America's Schools. This session we have a similar proposal led by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), the dean of the New York delegation. It is called the Public School Modernization Act. Our program will make interest-free loans available to school districts across the country through the Tax Code. Under the bill, school districts will be able to issue special bonds at no interest to fund the construction or renovation of school buildings. The Federal Government will pay the interest on these bonds through a tax credit to bondholders. Mr. Speaker, we simply cannot ignore the poor physical condition of our schools any longer. The GAO found that $112 billion is needed nationwide just to bring our schools into adequate condition.”