U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor called for immediate action on jobs legislation today so that schools in our community can get the improvements they need and small business contractors and construction workers have more job opportunities in our region. Castor made her remarks today at Chiaramonte Elementary School in south Tampa. Chiaramonte is undergoing a $9 million renovation this year.

“We have many schools in need of renovations throughout our neighborhoods,” Castor said.  "Students would benefit from updated classrooms, science labs and modern technology they need to succeed academically. Our students deserve to be in classrooms that are up to date and modern. Small businesses like Horus Construction could create jobs and hire more workers. I urge the GOP leadership in the U.S. House to schedule the American Jobs Act for debate. ”

The American Jobs Act proposes to invest $25 billion in school infrastructure that will upgrade about 35,000 public schools nationwide. Florida is estimated to receive about $1.3 billion to support about 17,000 jobs. Hillsborough County would receive approximately $123 million. There are 16 schools on Hillsborough County’s “unfunded renovations” list, including Roosevelt Elementary, Wilson Middle, Progress Village Middle and Forest Hills Elementary. If all the schools on the list underwent the renovations they needed, the cost would be about $120 million.

The Chiaramonte renovations are being done by Horus Construction, a small business based in Tampa. The work includes classroom remodeling, heating and air conditioning upgrades, plumbing and electrical work.

Castor was joined Tuesday by Hillsborough County school board member April Griffin.
“The children need to be in a classroom where they have the room to spread out, sit and learn,” Griffin said. “Public education cannot take anymore cuts.”

Jonathan Graham of Horus Construction talked about the importance of investing in schools in order to help students and create jobs.

“When you have a very nice school for children to go to they are educated better,” Graham said.  “When you put money into schools it helps the whole community.”

“Students throughout the Tampa Bay area deserve the types of improvements that we are seeing at Chiaramonte,” Castor said. “Let’s pass the American Jobs Act, upgrade our classrooms and put our construction workers, plumbers and electricians back to work.”