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Nicole Y. Williams or Staci Cox 

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Gwen Moore Commemorates National Back To School Month

 

Milwaukee, WI – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) released the following statement recognizing National Back to School Month which is celebrated during the month of August:

 

“As the summer comes to an end and Milwaukee parents and students once again prepare to go back to school, it is important that we take a moment to pause and reflect on the importance of education in the lives of all Americans and recommit ourselves to the goal of providing access to quality education for all.

 

“Education is key to providing a pathway out of poverty. A high school graduate earns $260,000 more over the course of his or her lifetime than someone who does not graduate from high school. Those who go on to college earn even more. Sadly, it is the poorest of students who are most at risk for dropping out.

 

“As someone who faced challenges throughout my lifetime, I can say that education was a crucial component to my success. I understand the importance of education in changing life prospects and have been a longstanding supporter of legislation and funding to improve our education system. 

 

“Recently, I have worked with my colleagues, teachers and communities to  reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) with updates that better serve high-need and at-risk students. Like many urban schools, Milwaukee schools suffer from overcrowding and lack of resources. We must actively work to improve our education system by not only increasing funding for the neediest schools but also by providing specialized services to struggling students. I am the author of legislation that would amend ESEA to establish grant programs to help schools hire and retain social workers, and to allow Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grants to fund dating violence prevention efforts.

 

“From helping your child with an assignment to sitting on a school board, I urge my constituents and all Americans to make the commitment this month and always to take an active role in the education of our children. For those students old enough to be thinking about college, use this month to visit schools you may be thinking of attending, including Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee. I hope all of my constituents will take advantage of the great education system Wisconsin offers in order to better their own lives and to benefit our community.”

 

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