Friend,

When we think of infrastructure--you can be sure that highways, sewers, and bridges will come to mind. Yet, there is one critical infrastructure target that is often overlooked and that is the need to maintain and improve our aging schools. 

Recently, on the first day of school for the entire Philadelphia school district, I brought together national, state and local officials --and education leaders --to demand increased federal funding for Philadelphia public school infrastructure and to condemn recent attempts by Congress to cut public education funding.

The school auditorium in which I stood that day alongside Philadelphia School Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg---did not have air conditioning.

Just hours after my visit, student learning in that same school came to an abrupt halt simply because the students there lacked a basic air conditioning system to mitigate the extreme late summer heat. We can fix this problem…it is not rocket science.This sweltering school auditorium is just one of hundreds of examples that reinforce the need for infrastructure funding across the district.

Please be reassured that I will continue to do everything as your congressman and as the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee to stand in the way of any shortsighted cuts to infrastructure dollars for schools and to continue to fight for Philadelphia federal education support and funding.

In doing so, it is my goal to help all students learn, grow, and prepare for successful futures in safe and modern learning environments that foster creativity and achievement.

Sincerely

Brendan F. Boyle

Member of Congress

Click HERE to unsubscribe to my newsletter