MonticelloLive

Last week our nation recognized “Teacher Appreciation Week” and “National Teacher Day,” on Tuesday May 6th, to honor our country’s teachers and show them our support for the lasting contributions they make to our families and communities.

As the son of public school educators and the father of two children attending public schools and universities, I am committed to providing our teachers with the tools and resources they need to ensure our children receive a world class education.

Today’s teachers are educating a new generation of leaders and innovators who are integral to our nation’s continued growth in this new global economy. I have continually supported our schools by encouraging investments in necessary programs such as Head Start, as well as supporting full funding for No Child Left Behind.

Recently, I was proud to help pass a Fiscal Year 2009 Budget in the House of Representatives that will invest $7.1 billion for education and training in our public school system.

I also cosponsored and helped pass House Resolution 952 this week, which honors and celebrates our nation’s teachers. The devotion and energy our teachers bring to school each day can be an inspiration to us all, and this resolution is just a small token of our thanks for their dedicated work.

It is time that we put America’s working families and children first by expanding access to a quality education which will benefit our entire nation. As the number of students entering our public schools continues to rise, I remain committed to making education a top priority of mine in Washington. Please join me this week in thanking our teachers and taking time to let them know how much we appreciate the job they are doing to make our state and nation a better place to live.