Yesterday, I voted in favor of legislation that will improve our public schools, create clean energy jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower energy costs for taxpayers. The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which passed the House on a vote of 275 to 155, will invest in our schools in order to boost our economy now and help prepare our children for the jobs of the future.
This bill uses federal dollars to begin transforming America’s aging schools while at the same time putting our nation back to work. This is a smart investment that leverages the power of the new green economy to inspire a new generation of workers. This measure reduces operating costs of schools allowing our struggling districts to devote more money to educating our students. This is the perfect time to inject these federal dollars into our local school districts. Green will be the engine that turns our country’s economy around. There is no better way to set a course for a greener future than investing in our kids.
I was able to sponsor an amendment that will encourage school districts to link their green construction efforts with curriculum that explains the new technology to students at the school. The amendment, which I sponsored with my friend Congresswoman Giffords (AZ-8), passed on a vote of 334 to 97.
The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act could provide over $6 billion in federal funds to upgrade school buildings to make them more energy efficient and more reliant on renewable sources of energy. The State of Missouri will receive approximately $97,833,000 in funding. Locally, the approximate allocations for Missouri’s Fifth District School Districts would be:
Belton:$303,000
Center: $322,000
Grandview: $494,000
Hickman Mills: 1,165,000
Independence: $977,000
Kansas City: $7,855,000
Lee’s Summit: $405,000
Lone Jack: $17,000
Raymore-Peculiar: $161,000
Raytown: $596,000
Total for Fifth District: $12,295,000
The bill also generates long-term savings for schools by reducing energy expenses. Green schools reduce pollution by using about 30% less water and energy than conventional schools, and emit almost 40% less harmful carbon dioxide.
This bill is common sense. It saves money for our schools, creates jobs and helps us educate our students better. At the same time, it modernizes our schools and prepares our workers for a new, clean energy American economy.
According to calculations by the Economic Policy Institute, this legislation’s construction funding would support as many as 136,000 new jobs – many in areas that will give workers the valuable skills they need to excel in a clean energy economy. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Friday, May 15, 2009
High Priority Projects now online
Reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs is required September 30, 2009. During the reauthorization process, I have an opportunity to include requests for High Priority Projects (HPP) to improve the transportation infrastructure in Missouri’s Fifth District.
To be more transparent in this important national policy and to ensure that projects that receive funding in this surface transportation authorization act result in tangible transportation and safety benefits, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure requires that Member-designated High Priority Projects be available online.
My requests can be found here >>>
To be more transparent in this important national policy and to ensure that projects that receive funding in this surface transportation authorization act result in tangible transportation and safety benefits, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure requires that Member-designated High Priority Projects be available online.
My requests can be found here >>>
More recognition for the Green Impact Zone
Van Jones has been on a crusade to, in his words, "green the ghetto" by killing two birds with one stone: reducing poverty and saving the environment — exactly the goals of the Green Impact Zone.
Recently Mr. Jones, who headed the non-profit “Green for All” was appointed as President Obama's special adviser for green jobs, enterprise and innovation. Jones now has an opportunity to implement his vision and once again cited the efforts underway here in Kasnas City as a model program the nation should be watching. This time, he used an interview on NPR’s Morning Edition to highlight our initiative.
Listen here >>>
Recently Mr. Jones, who headed the non-profit “Green for All” was appointed as President Obama's special adviser for green jobs, enterprise and innovation. Jones now has an opportunity to implement his vision and once again cited the efforts underway here in Kasnas City as a model program the nation should be watching. This time, he used an interview on NPR’s Morning Edition to highlight our initiative.
Listen here >>>
Friday, May 01, 2009
Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights passes House
On Thursday, the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009 (H.R. 627) which I Chairman Barney Frank (D-NY), and Subcommittee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) cosponsored, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 357-70. This comprehensive credit card reform legislation is aimed at leveling the playing field between credit card companies and consumers and abolishes industry abuses that are unfair, deceptive and anti-competitive.
I was sorry to see this important legislation die in the Senate last year and proud that it is one of the first pieces of legislation passed in this new Congress. In this economy, when far too many are relying on their credit cards for survival, we cannot tolerate abusive and unfair practices that exploit these difficult times.
First came the housing crisis, then the crisis in the financial institutions. The next shoe to drop is the credit card crisis. Yesterday’s action helps give teeth to the meeting the President held last week with the major Credit Card companies at the White House. Specifically, the bill protects cardholders against arbitrary interest rate increases, empowers them to set limits on their credit and requires card companies to fairly credit and allocate payments. It also prohibits charging fees just to pay a bill by phone, charging over-the-limit fees unless a consumer opts-in in advance or issuing credit cards to minors.
It is issuing credit cards to minors I have been particularly concerned about. The average college student has more than $3,000 in credit card debt on four or more credit cards. It is a horrible way to begin adult life and has contributed to the average age of bankruptcy continuing to get younger. I am pleased this bill tries to safeguard our young people.
I was sorry to see this important legislation die in the Senate last year and proud that it is one of the first pieces of legislation passed in this new Congress. In this economy, when far too many are relying on their credit cards for survival, we cannot tolerate abusive and unfair practices that exploit these difficult times.
First came the housing crisis, then the crisis in the financial institutions. The next shoe to drop is the credit card crisis. Yesterday’s action helps give teeth to the meeting the President held last week with the major Credit Card companies at the White House. Specifically, the bill protects cardholders against arbitrary interest rate increases, empowers them to set limits on their credit and requires card companies to fairly credit and allocate payments. It also prohibits charging fees just to pay a bill by phone, charging over-the-limit fees unless a consumer opts-in in advance or issuing credit cards to minors.
It is issuing credit cards to minors I have been particularly concerned about. The average college student has more than $3,000 in credit card debt on four or more credit cards. It is a horrible way to begin adult life and has contributed to the average age of bankruptcy continuing to get younger. I am pleased this bill tries to safeguard our young people.
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