Legislative Affairs

Advocacy Opportunity: Support School Infrastructure

  • 1.  Advocacy Opportunity: Support School Infrastructure

    Posted 06-14-2021 13:17

    As Congress continues to negotiate on a federal infrastructure package, it is becoming increasingly likely that school infrastructure may be excluded. After the Biden-Harris administration recently released a scaled-back $1.7 trillion infrastructure proposal with funding for schools, Republicans unveiled a $1 trillion counterproposal that did not include funding for constructing school facilities, remediating lead in schools, or transitioning school bus fleets to electric vehicles. 

    In light of the possibility that schools could be excluded from an infrastructure package, please consider joining ASBO International and AASA in advocating on this issue to ensure schools have the resources needed to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.

    Here's how you can contact your senators below:

    1. Check to see if your senators support S.96 the Rebuild and Reopen America's Schools Act (RRASA). If they do, thank them for supporting this legislation and urge them to tell their colleagues and Senate leadership to include RRASA in the federal infrastructure package. If they don't, ask them to support public school infrastructure needs by cosponsoring the bill.
      • Contact your officials by phone: Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 to have the operator connect you with your Senate office. Or, look up their office numbers on their website.
      • Contact your officials by email: Contact your officials through their website email form or, if you need assistance, email us and we can help you get their contact information.

    2. Need talking points? Access a phone script and email template from AASA's blog or follow these tips:
      1. Introduce yourself (Name, Title, School District, Location).
      2. Urge support of S.96 the Rebuild and Reopen America's Schools Act (RRASA).
      3. Explain that school districts lack the capacity to modernize their buildings, and disparities between less and more affluent communities undermine education equity and quality in already disadvantaged communities. Schools are essential public infrastructure and are challenged to raise sufficient capital from state and local sources to meet all their needs.
        1. Share any anecdotes/data, examples, costs, and needs in your school district.
      4. Ask that your senator help build a new generation of 21st century public school facilities that uphold health standards, support best educational practices, prepare 21st century workers, conserve natural resources, and are resilient in extreme weather and other emergencies and disasters.
      5. Thank them for their time and consideration. (And remember to follow up!)


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    ASBO USA
    asbousa@asbointl.org
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