Political Quotes

“Mr. President, our public schools are critical National infrastructure. They play a central role in our Democracy--educating the next generation, serving as polling places for our elections, hosting community meetings and events, and so much more. As we consider the components of a new major Federal investment in infrastructure, we cannot afford to leave our public schools behind. That is why I am proud to be introducing the School Building Improvement Act with my colleagues Senators Brown, Cortez Masto, Hassan, Warren, Whitehouse, Hirono, and Cardin. Safe, healthy, modern, well-equipped schools are essential for advancing student achievement and ensuring that the next generation is prepared to meet the economic, social, environmental, and global challenges our Nation faces. Yet, too many of the over 50 million students and six million staff who learn and work in our public schools, spend their days in facilities that fail to make the grade. A 2014 Department of Education study estimated that it would cost $197 billion to bring all public schools into ``good'' condition. Nationally, there is also a $38 billion funding gap in annual capital construction and new facility funding, as reported in the 2016 State of Our Schools report. Despite the benefits and need, however, Federal funding accounts for 0.2% of the total current capital investment in our schools. Addressing this need is the right thing to do for our students and our communities.…”