Today, the House Education and Labor Committee approved the Rebuild America's School Act (H.R. 865). This legislation addresses the chronic underfunding of school infrastructure and the state of disrepair at too many American public schools. H.R. 865, which Congresswoman Wilson co-sponsored, calls for a $100 billion investment to address crumbling buildings, support 21st century digital infrastructure, and improve school safety.
During today's markup, the Florida lawmaker introduced an amendment that recognizes that a school's building design should be structurally sound and protect students, teachers, and staff from natural elements and human threats. It was adopted with the unanimous support of her colleagues.
"The nation's public schools should be vibrant places that make children get up each morning anxious to absorb every bit of knowledge they can. A crumbling school building is an unsafe building. And if children don't feel safe, how can they learn?" said Congresswoman Wilson. "My amendment will help ensure that teachers and students are able to work and learn in schools that are safe and aesthetically pleasing and also make them feel like they matter."
H.R. 865 would ensure equity in school facilities and digital infrastructure, strengthen the state role in creating safe and healthy schools, and improve regulations and data collection on those conditions. The legislation also is projected to create more than 1.9 million well-paying jobs.
