Congressman Mike Lawler, representing New York’s 17th Congressional District, is calling on President Trump to release federal funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These centers offer before- and after-school programs throughout the Hudson Valley.
The programs primarily benefit low-income students in underperforming schools. Among the local beneficiaries are the New Square Community Improvement Council, Peekskill City School District, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and Westchester Jewish Community Services.
“This program deeply aligns with [the] Administration’s goals to return power to the state, instead of Washington, D.C., bureaucrats. State Education Agencies are fully responsible for administering the grant, providing each community with the opportunity to distribute funding where it is most needed,” wrote Congressman Lawler.
“21st Century Community Learning Centers are a perfect example of what happens when we take the federal government out of education – outcomes are better. Students that participate in these programs have been found to have better attendance records, are more engaged in their classes, and see improvements in their academic performance, including in reading and math,” concluded Congressman Lawler in his letter.
Lawler is recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members. He represents an area just north of New York City that includes Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. In the 118th Congress, he was rated as the most effective freshman lawmaker and ranked eighth overall.
