Murray Highlights Importance of Education Investments at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Meriwether and Rainer Elementary Schools at Washington State's Joint Base Lewis-McCord

Press Release

Last week, Senator Murray joined students, families, and servicemen and women to celebrate the grand opening of Meriwether and Rainier Elementary Schools at Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Washington state.

In remarks at a ribbon cutting, Murray highlighted the importance of giving military families the support they deserve, as well as the need to invest in education to help all our children succeed. Senator Murray explained how she worked to secure funding to replace two elementary schools at the base that were overcrowded and in need of major structural improvements, and called for a continued focus on ensuring our students have the resources they need to get a great education.

Murray noted that one of the main reasons she fought to replace harmful sequestration cuts in her two-year bipartisan budget deal with Chairman Ryan was to roll back deep cuts to areas like education and our national security.

Key excerpts from Murray's remarks:

"…When our best and our brightest put on their uniform to serve our country, we make a promise to support them and their families both on and off the battlefield. And, this includes making sure their children have a quality learning environment that promotes a positive education experience."

"Last year, when I sat down with Republicans in a budget conference, one of my highest priorities was making sure we addressed this issue in a way that protected our students and military communities. That is why I am so proud that we were able to reach a bipartisan budget deal that: prevented another government shutdown, put a stop to the budget battles that were hurting students, schools, and communities, and rolled back those devastating automatic budget cuts that were slashing investments in education, research, innovation--and defense jobs."

"We know a high quality education gives our students a shot at living out the American Dream, lays the groundwork for economic growth and prosperity for the future, and is vital to our nation's long-term success."

"Schools that support our military communities are not only institutions of learning, they also serve as a support system for many of our military families. That is why I have made it my priority to fight for these families and communities. And it is why I am so happy to stand with all of you today to see the results of our hard work."

Source