Res. No. 398
Title
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass and President George W. Bush to sign H.R. 1076, known as "America's Better Classroom Act of 2001."
Body
By Council Members Katz, Gallagher, Nelson, Addabbo, Baez, Barron, Comrie, Felder, Foster, Gennaro, Gerson, Jackson, Liu, McMahon, Perkins, Recchia, Reed, Reyna, Rivera, Sanders, Seabrook, Stewart, Weprin and Moskowitz
Whereas, On March 15, 2001, United States Representatives Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Nancy Johnson (R-CT) introduced H.R. 1076, known as "America's Better Classroom Act of 2001," which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a limited tax credit for qualified public school modernization bonds; and
Whereas, This legislation would make $25 billion in interest-free bonds available to States to modernize outdated school buildings and build new schools, while still allowing local communities to make all decisions concerning the school renovation and construction projects; and
Whereas, The New York Building Congress reports that the total cost of leveraging the $25 billion would be only $1.7 billion; and
Whereas, The New York Building Congress also indicates that H.R. 1076 would make available $2.5 billion to New York State, and specially allocate nearly $1.5 billion for New York City; and
Whereas, Two-hundred twenty six (226) United States Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of the legislation, including 28 from the New York delegation; and
Whereas, The National Education Association has urged the passage of H.R. 1076, stating that 28% of American public schools are over 50 years old and that 46% of American public schools cannot support modern computer systems; and
Whereas, The Public Advocate's June 2002 report, Doing Less With More: School Construction in New York City, states that as of 2001, elementary and middle schools in New York City were 44.5% over capacity and that currently, 38% of all New York City public school students learn in overcrowded facilities; and
Whereas, The New York City Partnership has likewise found that 90% of New York City's schools report a need for upgrade or repair; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to pass and President George W. Bush to sign H.R. 1076, known as "America's Better Classroom Act of 2001."
DB
LS #828
7/16/02
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