Infante-Green visits U.S. Senate, implores funding for local schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green visited Washington, D.C. as part of a U.S. Senate forum on the dismantling of the Department of Education.

The forum was hosted by U.S. Senator Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

The forum convened education commissioners, parents and teachers to discuss the impact of dwindling resources for students and schools.

Infante-Green urged federal leaders to preserve resources for local schools.

Infante-Green said in part:

As commissioner, I believe I have the duty to pursue and promote the best education in my state thus I implore you to advocate for the preservation and expansion of federal resources and support for public education not because of any loyalty to any particular party ideology or individual, but because it’s what’s best for all children.

15 percent of Rhode Island’s education funding comes from the federal department of education.

That equals $275 million in funds towards Title I, school nutrition and other programs.

Infante-Green said low-income students are hit the hardest by cuts to funding and states can’t manage the cuts on their own.