McNerney Brings Voice of Young People to Nation's Capital

Press Release

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) today spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives, sharing ideas he heard at a recent forum with local high school students. The forum, titled "Your Voice in Washington", brought together students at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville who presented their ideas and opinions to Rep. McNerney on issues of importance to young people.

The topics discussed at the event were chosen by the students and included education and health care policy as well as the federal budget and civil rights. Following the event, Congressman McNerney selected one of the topics -- education policy -- to speak about on the floor of the House of Representatives, bringing the ideas of our community's young people to the Nation's Capital.

"The "Your Voice in Washington" forum was a great opportunity for me to hear directly from our community's young people," said Rep. McNerney. "I heard so many good ideas that choosing just one to speak about on the House floor was difficult. However, a common theme I heard throughout the event was the importance of investing in our schools and that's what I chose to speak about today."

Kate Steffy, a sophomore at San Ramon Valley High School and participant in the forum traveled to Washington, D.C. with her family to watch the speech. She offered these words in reaction to seeing the ideas of her fellow students shared on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I was really inspired to hear Rep. McNerney speak on the House floor today", said Kate Steffy, sophomore at San Ramon Valley High School. "He listened carefully to what the students said and took our opinions to Washington. I was impressed with what he said about education policy and thrilled to hear San Ramon Valley High School's name on the floor of the House of Representatives."

The text of the Congressman's remarks on the House floor is below:

"Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of improving our nation's schools. I recently visited San Ramon Valley High School and heard from many students on this important issue. I told the students then and there that I would bring their message back to Washington, D.C. and share it in our nation's Capitol.

"Today's young people face an increasingly competitive world and their education is the foundation of our country's economic success. The students at San Ramon Valley High School shared with me the importance of high quality education and teaching young people not only how to take a test, but also how to apply their skills in real life situations.

"The students also asked that when Congress makes decisions about the federal budget that funding for schools and education should be a top priority. After all, investing in the education of our young people is an investment in our future.

"I urge my colleagues to listen to the thoughts and ideas of the students at San Ramon Valley High School and the young people throughout our country."

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