02.25.20

Chairman Scott Honors Public Schools Week, Calls for Investments in School Infrastructure

WASHINGTON – Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement to honor Public Schools Week.

“Strong public schools are the foundation of success for young people across the country. But in many American communities, students, teachers, and parents continue to suffer the consequences of our failure to prioritize funding for public education.

“On average, K-12 school facilities are nearly 45 years old and are being underfunded by $46 billion each year, with high-poverty and majority Black and Brown schools feeling the greatest strain. As a result, students and educators are attending school buildings that are either unsafe, not equipped with essential technology, or both.

“All students, regardless of their circumstances, should attend a safe, welcoming, and high-quality school. This Public Schools Week, Congress must finally accept its responsibility to reinvest in our nation’s schools and communities. As House Democrats advance a comprehensive infrastructure package, we cannot waste this opportunity to rebuild the physical and digital infrastructure of America’s public schools. 

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming months to pass necessary, overdue investments in public schools, so that all students have the strong foundation they need to reach their full potential.” 

“On February 26. 2019, the Committee on Education and Labor advanced the Rebuild America’s Schools Act(H.R. 865), which would fund $70 billion in grants and $30 billion in bonds to help address critical physical and digital infrastructure needs in America’s public schools. According to economic projections, the bill would also create more than 1.9 million good-paying jobs.”

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