Strengthening Public Schools

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, Benjamin Franklin said: ``An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.'' I agree.

I am proud to lead the Public Schools Week resolution with my colleagues, Representatives Pocan, Graves, and Thompson. This resolution recognizes the importance of and contributions of our public schools to the country and to our Nation's young people.

I came to Congress to strengthen public education and to make sure that all students, regardless of their race, color, national origin, ZIP Code, or family wealth, have an equal opportunity to obtain a high- quality, well-rounded public education.

At the State of the Union, I was disappointed to hear the President dismiss public schools as failing government schools. Public schools are not disconnected from the communities around them. They are our schools, our children, our students in our communities; and it is our collective responsibility to do all we can to strengthen, not weaken, our system of public education.

I will continue to fight for public schools every day, and I am proud to honor them this week.

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