House hikes NMI funding in Green Schools Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, providing up to $6.4 billion for schools to modernize and increase energy efficiency, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.

Funding for the U.S. insular areas and schools run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs was doubled when the bill reached the floor of the House. NMI Rep. Gregorio “Kilili” C. Sablan is one of the 16 original co-sponsors of the bill, drafted by Ben Chandler (D-KY).

“This bill is another important investment in our children, our environment, and our economy,” said Sablan. “The Northern Marianas could realize as much as $6.3 million once this bill is enacted and funded. That money will improve the conditions inside schools for students and teachers, will cut down on the use of electricity, and give jobs to workers and construction companies who help with the modernizations.”

Sablan voted for passage of the legislation when the Education and Labor Committee approved the bill on May 6.

In voting on the floor of the House, Sablan also supported an amendment to the bill to reserve an additional five percent of the $6.4 billion for grants to educational agencies serving areas in significant economic distress or recovering from natural disaster. Bobby Bright (D-AL) offered the amendment.

A primary goal of the bill is to modernize classroom environments to prepare students for careers in the 21st century. The Northern Marianas Public School System could use the money to update science labs, libraries and technical education facilities. PSS could also use the money to improve school energy efficiency by repairing or replacing roofs, windows, or wiring, improving cooling systems, and for emergency preparation, compliance with laws regarding access for individuals with disabilities, removal of mold and mildew, and similar projects.

“The money provided by the 21st Century Schools Act would be in addition to the school modernization money we have already made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” said Sablan. “It reflects the belief of this Congress that investment in our educational system is essential to future economic health.”

A number of government and private studies cite a strong link between modern, functional school facilities and student achievement.

Schools are not the only beneficiaries this bill, however; lawmakers hope that it will help support industries that install green products like windows, roofs, heating and cooling systems, and energy equipment like solar panels. Programs that teach vocational skills in construction, like Youthbuild, are also encouraged to be engaged. Participation in these programs will allow students to learn traditional construction skills and new skills, like solar panel installation or energy-efficient construction, which will help them get jobs in the future.

The next steps for the bill are approval by the Senate and President Obama.[B][I] (PR)[/I][/B]