Senate Resolution 591 - Supporting the Goals and Ideals of American Education Week

Floor Speech

Mr. REID of Nevada (for Mrs. HAGAN (for herself, Mr. KIRK, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. BROWN, Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota, Ms. MIKULSKI, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. DURBIN, Ms. WARREN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. CARDIN, and Mr. LEVIN)) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

S. Res. 591

Whereas November 16 through November 22, 2014, marks the 93rd annual observance of ``American Education Week'';

Whereas public schools are the backbone of democracy in the United States, providing young people with the tools necessary to maintain the values of freedom, civility, and equality that are precious to the United States;

Whereas by equipping young people in the United States with both practical skills and broader intellectual abilities, public schools give them hope for, and access to, a productive future;

Whereas people working in the field of public education, whether teachers, higher education faculty and staff, paraeducators, custodians, substitute educators, bus drivers, clerical workers, food service professionals, workers in skilled trades, health and student service workers, security guards, technical employees, or librarians, work tirelessly to serve children and communities throughout the United States with care and professionalism; and

Whereas public schools are community linchpins, bringing together adults, children, educators, volunteers, business leaders, and elected officials in a common enterprise: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) supports the goals and ideals of American Education Week; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe American Education Week by reflecting on the positive impact of all individuals who work together to educate children.