Labor, Environmental Groups Join in Call to Protect Kids by Rebuilding Schools

Labor, Environmental Groups Join in Call to Protect Kids by Rebuilding Schools

WASHINGTON (September 22, 2021) – Environmental and labor organizations have joined forces on a new ad campaign calling on Congress to make bold investments in schools, including updating and replacing outdated infrastructure, as part of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. The six-figure campaign will place ads on digital platforms and cable television in California, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, New York and Washington, D.C. 

The ads are sponsored by the NRDC Action Fund, the American Federation of Teachers, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and the Blue Green Alliance. 

Watch the ad here. 

“Fixing our schools is a long overdue investment in the futures of our children,” said Kevin S. Curtis, executive director of the NRDC Action Fund. “No parent should have to send their kids to school worried they’ll be exposed to unhealthy air, dangerous mold or toxic lead in the drinking water. We can fix that while creating good jobs and growing our economy. The president’s Build Back Better agenda is bold and it’s overwhelmingly popular; Congress cannot let this opportunity pass us by.” 

“America’s public schools sit at the center of community but far too many have been left to crumble through decades of disinvestment, austerity and neglect,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “That ends now: President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda will tackle mold, lead, dirty air and outdated infrastructure and promises a new era of good green jobs and economic growth. It is imperative that Congress seizes the opportunity to build and rebuild safe and welcoming schools where teachers want to teach, parents want to send their kids and where kids can thrive. Let’s get this done.” 

“Our union stands ready from coast to coast to retrofit school buildings in desperate need of repairs. Ensuring every school provides a safe learning environment for our children is vital and we are fully committed to building a better future for all of us that we can be proud of. On behalf of every parent and every child in our communities, we call on Congress to get this done,” said IUPAT General President Jim Williams, Jr.