On the recordApril 7, 2022
Mr. President, today, I am introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senator Collins and Senator Merkley and Congressman Sarbanes that targets the fundamental goal of public education, which is to equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to understand the world around them and their ability to shape it. In the face of a global climate crisis, it is essential that all students graduate with environmental literacy skills to secure and sustain their future. The No Child Left Inside Act will ensure that our students will have the opportunity to develop environmental literacy. Environmental education provides broad benefits. It has been shown to enhance student achievement in science and other core subjects and to increase student engagement and critical thinking skills. Moreover, it promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging kids to get outside. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how vital understanding the environment is to our own health, well-being, and ability to carry out our daily activities. As the pandemic took hold, Rhode Island's environmental educators sprung into action, creating outdoor learning support opportunities and virtual programs for students as they did school from home. We need this to work on a national level for all students.…





