Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, by a vote of 250-164.

This is a tremendous victory for public schools, educators and children. The legislation authorizes $6.4 billion annually to help states and school districts address school conditions that compromise learning and teaching. The bill also creates more than 100,000 well-paying construction jobs and supports AFT efforts to promote green, sustainable schools.

Even with this victory, there is more work ahead to get assistance to states and localities to upgrade their schools. In the coming weeks, we will turn our efforts to moving similar legislation in the U.S. Senate, and we need your help by urging your senators to support these efforts.