WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sam Graves (R-MO), and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) led a bipartisan group of 94 Members of Congress introducing a resolution to recognize this week as “Public Schools Week.” At a time when 90% of all students in the United States attend public school and states are working closely with teachers to ensure schools can safely reopen, Congress has a duty to prioritize strengthening and investing in our nation’s public schools.
“This pandemic has proven that public schools are the foundations of our communities and it’s time we invest in them accordingly,” said Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02). “I am proud to lead the introduction of this resolution every Congress because the future of communities nationwide depends on strong public schools for every student—no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. We can’t depend on teachers and students to find success with limited resources any longer. It’s time to make real investments in public education and invest in the future of every child in America.”
“A quality public education system provides students with the opportunity to reach their full potential, and it strengthens our communities and economy,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). “Teachers, administrators, counselors, and other support staff have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic so students can learn and grow during this challenging time. We must continue investing in our public schools with an equity lens so all students have a path to success regardless of zip code or background.”
“National Public Schools Week gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the immense value and enrichment public schools provide for our nation’s young people,” said Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15). “As a senior member of the Education & Labor Committee and a product of public schools, I know the incredible role our schools play in our communities. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to underscore the importance public education plays in shaping, inspiring, and developing our youth.”
“North Missouri families rely on our public schools to provide their children with a high-quality education that will serve as a foundation for their future,” said Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06). “Our teachers, faculty, and administrators do an excellent job of accomplishing just that—even in the face of a global pandemic. Public schools across North Missouri have worked diligently to educate kids, even with obstacles, and get kids back in the classroom safely and swiftly. Public Schools Week is a great opportunity to thank all those that have been so critical to our children’s education throughout this trying year.”
See the full text of the resolution here.
This resolution was also sponsored by Representatives Alma S. Adams (D-NC), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Donald Beyer (D-VA), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Anthony G. Brown (D-MD), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Andre Carson (D-IN), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Jason Crow (D-CO), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Suzanne K. DelBene (D-WA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Garamendi (D-CA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), French Hill (R-AR), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), David P. Joyce (R-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Daniel T. Kildee (D-MI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Ron Kind (D-WI), Annie Kuster (D-NH), Connor Lamb (D-PA), James R. Langevin (D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Susie Lee (D-NV), Andy Levin (D-MI), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Betty S. McCollum (D-MN), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Gwen S. Moore (D-WI), Tom Morelle (D-NY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Marie Newman (D-IL), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), David E. Price (D-NC), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Robert Scott (D-GA), Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Sires (D-NJ), Adam Smith (D-WA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Stivers (R-OH), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Titus (D-NV), Mike Thompson (D-CA), David Trone (D-MD), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL) and John Yarmuth (D-KY).
This resolution was endorsed by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American School Counselors Association, AFT, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty, Center for American Progress (CAP), Coalition for Community Schools, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Healthy Schools Campaign, Learning Disabilities Association of America, Learning Forward, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Council of Teachers of English, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Education Association (NEA), National Education Association Retirees Association, National Military Families Association, National Rural Education Association, National School Boards Association, National School Public Relations Association, National PTA, Network for Public Education, School Social Work Association of America, and The Arc.
