(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement on the passage of H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act of 2009.  H.R. 2187 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 275 to 155:

"Today, we are thinking ‘green' about schools all across this nation," said Hastings.  "It is time to ensure that our children are going to school in a safe and healthy environment.  The passage of this legislation gives us the opportunity to upgrade our school buildings and boost student achievement while also creating new jobs."

"Last year, during consideration of this legislation, I offered an amendment that would allow funds to be used to reduce or eliminate human exposure to mold and mildew.  I am pleased to see that this addition has been included in this year's text."

H.R. 2187 provides over $6 billion in federal funds to upgrade school facilities to make them more energy efficient and more reliant on renewable sources of energy.  In addition to improving public schools, the bill will also reduce pollution levels and generate new jobs in clean energy.  Additionally, the legislation supports state and local educational agencies to provide public students with facilities that are safe, healthy, high-performing and using current technology.  Florida is estimated to receive over $295 billion in funding.   

"We are confronted by many challenges that will impact the lives of our children's future.  When the learning environment of teachers and students is compromised by substandard conditions, our nation suffers. To ignore this significant issue would only perpetuate our problems.  Investment in education, clean energy, and our workforce is critical to producing prosperity in the future."

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

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