PRESS RELEASE
Representative TJ Cox’s Office/House of Representatives

On March 5, Representative TJ Cox (CA-21) introduced the Inspiring New STEM Professionals by Investing in Renovation of Education Spaces (INSPIRES) Act. The INSPIRES Act would establish competitive grant programs for schools to build, modernize, renovate, or repair STEM classrooms and labs. The Act would also seek to close the STEM education gap that disadvantages many of the rural, remote, and under-served communities of the Central Valley by providing access to high-speed internet for STEM classrooms, updating or replacing special technical equipment, and providing clean and efficient learning spaces for STEM students and faculty.

Senator Brian Schatz (HI) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“In an effort to ensure that we remain globally competitive in STEM education and our kids are prepared to solve the problems on the horizon, we must invest in our rural Central Valley communities and our nation’s under-served schools,” said Rep. Cox. “Modernizing, restoring, and updating educational facilities are essential parts of that larger investment. The federal government can and should do more.”

“I wholeheartedly support the goals of the INSPIRES Act, which invests in career and technical education, including in rural areas. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee has been similarly focused on these segments of the STEM workforce. We must ensure we have a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge employers need if we are to continue to lead the world in innovation. Improving the infrastructure and technology that supports learning is an important step in that direction. I commend Representative Cox for his work on this issue and am happy to cosponsor the INSPIRES Act,” said Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

“Every student in this country should be given the tools and resources needed to participate in the 21st century digital revolution, especially those in rural and native communities,” said. Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). “The federal government must support schools in their efforts to retrofit classrooms and labs with the modern technology needed to make that commitment a reality. I applaud Rep. Cox for introducing the INSPIRES Act so that every student, no matter what school they attend, can learn the skills needed for the jobs of the future.”

“With our global competitors investing in STEM, it is critical that we help our students get the resources they need to remain competitive. That is why I am cosponsoring the INSPIRES Act, which ensures all students – regardless of their zip code – have the modern educational facilities needed to prepare them for careers in STEM. I am committed to providing opportunities and resources for every STEM student to succeed in their future careers,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28).

“Our children’s future should not depend on how rich their school district is or where it is located. We have to bring American classrooms into the 21st century so every student has the opportunity to reach their potential,” said Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13). “The education we provide our kids now will prepare them to lead the economy of the future. Modernizing our schools is critical to putting our children in position to lead our nation in the years to come.”

“In order for communities to succeed in the future we must be investing in STEM classes today. I am committed to making sure that all children, no matter their backgrounds have resources and skills needed to be competitive in STEM fields,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). “Ensuring that every child in America has access to opportunities that will allow them to be active participants in rapidly evolving science and technology sectors will set up our economy for future growth and discovery.”

“All students should have the same tools and opportunity to enrich their education with STEM programs,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-3). “Providing modern, effective resources for classrooms and labs around the country rewards hard-working students and invests in our future. This bill will break down barriers for students everywhere and provide the skills necessary for the economy of tomorrow.”

The future of the U.S. economy will rely on STEM graduates in all job fields, from manufacturing to agriculture. This bill will invest in schools to harness the potential of students, schools and communities that may need additional support to overcome geographic isolation, poor internet access, inadequate technological infrastructure or other barriers to high-quality STEM learning. This Act will not only safeguard the future of the American economy, it will also ensure that students from rural and disadvantaged communities have a fair chance at being part of that future.