Chandler's School Repair Bill Passes House of Representatives

Press Release

Bill stands to provide $92.8 million statewide and $11.2 million in the Sixth District

Congressman Ben Chandler's 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 3021) passed the United States House of Representatives today with bipartisan support. This bill, if approved by the Senate and signed into law will authorize a vital $6.4 billion to our nation's schools for construction, modernization, renovation and repair.

"I am positively thrilled that we are one step closer to providing our nation's schools with the aid they desperately need," Chandler said. "This bill is a home run. It is an investment in our children, our environment, our economy and our future as a nation. It will give much-needed money to our struggling schools, while at the same time helping the environment and creating jobs for Americans that cannot be shipped overseas."

A number of government and private studies cite a strong link between modern, functional school facilities and student achievement. The $6.4 billion can be used for school projects to improve the teaching and learning environment, health and safety, and energy efficiency. Eligible projects could include anything from fixing crumbling walls and roofs, to lead and asbestos removal and the installation of educational technology.

The legislation will allocate funds to school districts according to the formula established in Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Under the last application of this formula, 100% of school districts in the Sixth Congressional District received funding. Before schools can receive the funding however, Congress must make a separate appropriation for the program.

"In my view there are few, if any, priorities more important than the education of our children," Chandler continued. "Our young people deserve the best educational opportunities to succeed in this competitive world. How we educate our children now, today, determines how our country performs for decades to come."

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