Polis: Colorado to Receive $67 Million under 21st Century Green School Bill
Press Release
Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) helped the U.S. House of Representatives pass legislation today that would bring $67 million to Colorado school districts to modernize, upgrade, repair, and green area schools. The legislation, H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act, passed the House today by a vote of 275 to 155
"As a former superintendent, I can tell you that safe and modern classrooms are not a luxury, but a necessity for teachers and students to excel," said Polis, a member of the House Education and Labor Committee. "Colorado is facing an estimated $5.7 to $10 billion backlog in school construction and maintenance, placing the health, safety, and achievement of our students at risk. The funds provided by this bill will help us combat these backlogs and outfit our schools and students to excel in a more energy efficient future."
"By building upon the Recovery Act's historic investment in clean energy, this bill will stimulate both students' minds and local economies and boost Colorado's growing green energy industry," continued Polis.
The 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act would authorize $6.4 billion for fiscal year 2010including more than $15 million for districts serving students in Colorado's second Congressional districtto bring schools up to 21st century green building and safety standards. As a result, the legislation is expected to create an estimated 136,000 jobs nationwide.
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