[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H3584-H3585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   H.R. 1822, THE STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BANKS FOR SCHOOLS ACT OF 1997

  (Mrs. TAUSCHER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, last week I introduced House Resolution 
1822, the State Infrastructure Banks for Schools Act, along with 31 
Members from both parties. This is a cost-effective approach to help 
schools prepare our kids for the 21st century workplace.
  We are all familiar with the estimated $112 billion tax dollar price 
tag to improve school infrastructure. But we now know that a direct 
correlation exists between the condition of school facilities and the 
students' achievement. That is right, our kids' grades are affected by 
the condition of their schools. It is difficult to learn when the roof 
is leaking or blackouts occur if too many computers are turned on.
  H.R. 1822 addresses these problems by funding State Infrastructure 
Banks, or SIBS, for school construction. These banks provide maximum 
flexibility in financing and minimal restrictions regarding project 
approval. As loans are repaid, banks could provide assistance to 
projects in other schools. Although this is an innovative approach, 
similar programs have been used for Clean Water Act infrastructure, 
making improvements more affordable and widely available.
  Mr. Speaker, we need to educate our kids in a stable and supportive 
environment. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 1822.

[[Page H3585]]



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