Contact Congress about S. 2988: Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023

Public schools would get federal money to improve buildings and hire more staff. The bill would also help schools provide power, shelter, internet, and other services during disasters. Some districts would need to keep paying new staff after federal grants end.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 is a Senate bill in Congress.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects students, school workers, and families in public schools with poor buildings or too few staff. Schools serving low-income communities, students with disabilities, English learners, and communities facing high pollution or climate risks would receive priority in several programs. School districts would gain federal support, but they would also take on new planning, reporting, and long-term staffing duties.

Why this matters: Many schools have unsafe buildings, too few support workers, or weak systems for handling disasters. This bill could address all three problems with long-term federal funding. The results would depend on how well federal agencies, states, and districts manage the programs. Districts would also need to prepare for costs that may continue after some grants end.

Key provisions in S. 2988

• The bill creates an Office of Sustainable Schools in the U.S. Department of Education. It would run grants and coordinate federal work on safer, greener schools.
• The Department of Energy would fund repairs and new schools designed to avoid carbon pollution. Aid would depend on each school's level of need, with full costs covered for the highest-need schools and all Bureau of Indian Education schools.
• School building grants could total up to $446 billion over 10 years. The federal government could also offer up to $446 billion in loans with little or no interest to help other schools pay their remaining costs.
• Funded projects must meet set goals for saving energy and using clean power. The rules refer to standards from ASHRAE, a building systems group, and guidance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
• The federal government must regularly check what repairs schools need across the country. It must also publish performance data for buildings that receive funding.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 2988

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 2988

What is S. 2988?

Public schools would get federal money to improve buildings and hire more staff. The bill would also help schools provide power, shelter, internet, and other services during disasters. Some districts would need to keep paying new staff after federal grants end.

How do I support or oppose S. 2988?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 2988?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 2988?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.