By the Office of Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D.
Contributed

A couple of weeks ago, Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D., D-Palm Desert, advocated on the House floor for much-needed investments in our schools. Earlier last month, James Madison Elementary School in Indio closed after rust and corrosion were found in its support columns. Nearly 500 students had to be transferred to another facility.
“Madam Speaker: Earlier this month, James Madison Elementary School in Indio closed after rust, mold, and corrosion were found in the columns and the walls supporting the building, compromising the school’s infrastructure and putting students, teachers, and staff at risk,” Ruiz said. “The cost of our schools’ outdated infrastructure is adding up. We need big and bold investments in school infrastructure to keep our students safe, prevent school closures and help our students compete.”
Ruiz is a co-sponsor of H.R. 865, the Rebuilding America’s Schools Act, which would invest $100 billion in physical and digital school infrastructure. In his remarks, he called on fellow representatives to “prioritize students’ well-being, safety and education” and support this critical legislation.