Sean Patrick Maloney: “I thank Mr. Rodriguez for bringing this important amendment to the floor for a vote. Comprehensive regional assistance…”

“I thank Mr. Rodriguez for bringing this important amendment to the floor for a vote. Comprehensive regional assistance centers are a vital resource for our educators, and they are the only source for federally funded comprehensive technical assistance. They provide valuable resources for all of our children including children in high-poverty areas, children with disabilities, limited English-proficient children, and neglected or delinquent children. I am fortunate to have one of these centers located in my district-- the New York Technical Assistant Center [NYTAC] which is located at NYU's School of Education. I can see the positive influence that it has made. It brings together five organizations in a partnership to provide technical assistance to the New York State Education Department. It is one of 15 programs designed to assist schools, districts, and State education departments in implementing the Improving America's Schools Act. Children can only learn if those who teach them are endowed with the proper tools. I was a teacher in the New York City public schools, and I know the necessity of having good and current resources at your fingertips. If we do not give our educators the proper tools, we rob our children of their best chance at receiving a good education. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Rodriguez amendment, for our Nation's schools, our children's future.”