BOHICA

[abbey1227]

NBC News
Schools across U.S. plagued with 'Third World' issues, experts and local officials say
Heidi Przybyla   Wed, June 2, 2021, 9:24 AM

Clumpy lead paint and plaster curl off the walls of some inner-city Philadelphia schools. Staff members at a Florida school haul sandbags and clear drains manually during heavy storms. A 1930s-era boiler is still used to heat a Rhode Island school.

The snapshots are in a report last year from the Government Accountability Office, the first comprehensive picture of the dilapidated state of school facilities since Congress tried to call attention to the problem nearly 25 years ago after finding that a third of schools were in severely deficient condition.

The situation has only worsened since then in many inner-city and poor rural schools,  environmental engineering experts and local officials say. And some worry that even an influx of cash from the federal government won't be enough to remedy the issue.

"When I became superintendent, the most glaring example of disparity was the infrastructure," said Nikolai Vitti, who was appointed superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District in 2017. The poor conditions included water-stained, decaying ceiling tiles and repeated school closings because of "oven"-like conditions in warmer months and no heat in the winter, Vitti said.

"That's a Third World country infrastructure issue, not something that we should be thinking about in America," he said.

Nationwide, the backlog in school maintenance and repair projects is at least $500 billion, the nonprofit 21st Century School Fund estimates.

The Biden administration's American Rescue Plan would inject $193 billion into the country's crumbling schools. In guidance it issued last month, the Education Department said schools can use the money on "school facility repairs and improvements to reduce the risk of virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards, as well as inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, replacement, and upgrade projects to improve the indoor air quality in school facilities."

But it cautions against new construction projects that could suck money from "essential needs and initiatives" and warns that major remodeling, renovation and new construction projects might be time-consuming and, therefore, unfeasible, because relief funds must be obligated by September 2024.

What's more, much of the money is expected to go to remedy learning loss and to hire teachers and support staff members. Some districts are also under pressure to add security features, such as bulletproof windows and door barricades, after numerous school shootings.

In short, the funding isn't nearly enough to overcome decades of neglect compounding health and safety risks, primarily in minority, underserved communities, local officials say.

In Detroit, where school buildings are 66 years old on average, the money will cover half of an infrastructure backlog estimated at $1.5 billion, Vitti said.

www.yahoo.com/news/americas-schools-falling-disrepair-no-123643981.html

While there have been significant associated health risks for decades, the Covid-19 pandemic has shed new light on the scale of the problem. For example, last summer the GAO estimated that 36,000 schools nationwide needed heating and air-conditioning repairs or updates for problems that, if left unaddressed, could lead to poor air quality and mold.

Other hazards the GAO has recently documented: 51 percent of the 100 largest school districts found lead-based paint in schools, and fewer than half of school districts have tested for lead in drinking water.

No federal law requires testing of drinking water for lead in schools that get their water from public systems. Furthermore, most states don't conduct statewide assessments, leaving it to individual districts.

"There's a weird regulatory gap when it comes to lead in the water," said Anisa Heming, director of the Center for Green Schools, which advocates for greener and healthier school buildings. "A lot of schools are scared to test, because they don't have the money to fix it."

[Prometheus]

Is this a problem for you because it involves "taxpayer money" or because of where the money will go?

[abbey1227]

Jun 7, 2021 1:17:50 GMT Prometheus said:

Is this a problem for you because it involves "taxpayer money" or because of where the money will go?

It's strictly a problem with the sheer waste of money.......... money that was already taxed, sent and spent, by the way.

Just because it was mishandled for decades, I guess it's time for yet another 'bail-out'........ like the auto companies, the banks, the student loans, the states that overextended themselves again........etc etc

And after a year of lockdowns/remote learning.......... who is to say that money should even be spent on wasteful buildings anymore anyway?

I still have to maintain it disgusts me that ANYWHERE within the 50 United States......water coming out off the tap is unsafe to drink? It's a complete clown show and should have been remedied years ago.

But no! We gotta send foreign aid and have our military 'rebuilding' all the places we've blown up, instead. Seems like another area where "America First' should have been embraced by all years ago.

[Prometheus]

Jun 7, 2021 3:25:32 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 7, 2021 1:17:50 GMT Prometheus said:

Is this a problem for you because it involves "taxpayer money" or because of where the money will go?

It's strictly a problem with the sheer waste of money.......... money that was already taxed, sent and spent, by the way.

Just because it was mishandled for decades, I guess it's time for yet another 'bail-out'........ like the auto companies, the banks, the student loans, the states that overextended themselves again........etc etc

And after a year of lockdowns/remote learning.......... who is to say that money should even be spent on wasteful buildings anymore anyway?

I still have to maintain it disgusts me that ANYWHERE within the 50 United States......water coming out off the tap is unsafe to drink? It's a complete clown show and should have been remedied years ago.

But no! We gotta send foreign aid and have our military 'rebuilding' all the places we've blown up, instead. Seems like another area where "America First' should have been embraced by all years ago.

Yeah.

Too bad Trump sent aid to other countries while denying "Blue States" emergency funding.

In the past 28 years, Republicans have held the House for 20 and the Senate for 16.

You want to talk about fiscal mismanagement? Go talk to the GOP first.

[abbey1227]

Jun 7, 2021 16:13:51 GMT Prometheus said:

Yeah.

Too bad Trump sent aid to other countries while denying "Blue States" emergency funding.

In the past 28 years, Republicans have held the House for 20 and the Senate for 16.

You want to talk about fiscal mismanagement? Go talk to the GOP first.

So we're in total agreement that the Romneys, Ryans and Cheneys of the world are not people to be trusted or taken seriously.

It's weird to me how we can't come to the same conclusions about the Obamas, Bidens and Clintons, though?  

[Prometheus]

Jun 8, 2021 0:45:38 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 7, 2021 16:13:51 GMT Prometheus said:

Yeah.

Too bad Trump sent aid to other countries while denying "Blue States" emergency funding.

In the past 28 years, Republicans have held the House for 20 and the Senate for 16.

You want to talk about fiscal mismanagement? Go talk to the GOP first.

So we're in total agreement that the Romneys, Ryans and Cheneys of the world are not people to be trusted or taken seriously.

It's weird to me how we can't come to the same conclusions about the Obamas, Bidens and Clintons, though?  

Clinton's bank deregulation led straight to the housing bubble.

Obama's measures took too long but in the end it was HIS economy that Donnie took credit for in January 2017.

Biden's been in office for less than 5 months and he's trying to undo all of Donnie's idiocy. It's going to be expensive. Ask me in 2025.

[abbey1227]

Jun 8, 2021 2:07:54 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 8, 2021 0:45:38 GMT abbey1227 said:

Clinton's bank deregulation led straight to the housing bubble.

Obama's measures took too long but in the end it was HIS economy that Donnie took credit for in January 2017.

Biden's been in office for less than 5 months and he's trying to undo all of Donnie's idiocy. It's going to be expensive. Ask me in 2025.

Bank regulations don't determine how in debt I go

weird how his methods were so stagnant during his time.......and he even stated 'magic wands' were necessary to improve things any better?........but it became his economy AFTER a different approach was implemented.

Biden is trying to undo the United States   ...... it's the only way to make it 'fair' to the rest of the world

[Prometheus]

Jun 8, 2021 2:24:35 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 8, 2021 2:07:54 GMT Prometheus said:

Clinton's bank deregulation led straight to the housing bubble.

Obama's measures took too long but in the end it was HIS economy that Donnie took credit for in January 2017.

Biden's been in office for less than 5 months and he's trying to undo all of Donnie's idiocy. It's going to be expensive. Ask me in 2025.

Bank regulations don't determine how in debt I go

weird how his methods were so stagnant during his time.......and he even stated 'magic wands' were necessary to improve things any better?........but it became his economy AFTER a different approach was implemented.

Biden is trying to undo the United States   ...... it's the only way to make it 'fair' to the rest of the world

1. You need to take a course in macro-economics. Banking regulation has a direct effect on the economy which has a direct effect on prices which has a direct effect on how in debt you go... or die from starvation.

2. You want to give credit to Congress for digging the economy out of the "Great Recession"? OK but I'll hold you to never cheering or jeering another POTUS again for the economy.

3. "Herpaderp. Ahilk."

[abbey1227]

Jun 8, 2021 2:58:21 GMT Prometheus said:

1. You need to take a course in macro-economics. Banking regulation has a direct effect on the economy which has a direct effect on prices which has a direct effect on how in debt you go... or die from starvation.

2. You want to give credit to Congress for digging the economy out of the "Great Recession"? OK but I'll hold you to never cheering or jeering another POTUS again for the economy.

3. "Herpaderp. Ahilk."

1. You know what else has an effect on the prices? Govt and minimum wage........but if you just label it 'Helping people' it gets a pass?

2. No, I give credit to people and businesses who, when left more alone, go out and produce things people want to buy.

3. Stop Bogarting

[Prometheus]

Jun 8, 2021 3:18:20 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 8, 2021 2:58:21 GMT Prometheus said:

1. You need to take a course in macro-economics. Banking regulation has a direct effect on the economy which has a direct effect on prices which has a direct effect on how in debt you go... or die from starvation.

2. You want to give credit to Congress for digging the economy out of the "Great Recession"? OK but I'll hold you to never cheering or jeering another POTUS again for the economy.

3. "Herpaderp. Ahilk."

1. You know what else has an effect on the prices? Govt and minimum wage........but if you just label it 'Helping people' it gets a pass?

2. No, I give credit to people and businesses who, when left more alone, go out and produce things people want to buy.

3. Stop Bogarting

1. What does one have to do with the other?

2. Oh. So tell me: What wonderful new product was created that reduced unemployment from 9% to 4.5%?

3. Stop being an idiot

[abbey1227]

Jun 8, 2021 3:21:48 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 8, 2021 3:18:20 GMT abbey1227 said:

1. What does one have to do with the other?

2. Oh. So tell me: What wonderful new product was created that reduced unemployment from 9% to 4.5%?

3. Stop being an idiot

2. I think the 2 biggest things that spurred economic growth was reducing taxes on businesses.........and actually enforcing immigration laws already on the books. It gave people in business the incentive to grow and hire new employees.......and it removed Illegals which drove up the offered wages and attracted Americans who were previously unemployed.

3. Why would I stop when it works so well for me? I don't see the average American abandoning your methods despite it never working for them.

[Prometheus]

Jun 8, 2021 3:29:59 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 8, 2021 3:21:48 GMT Prometheus said:

1. What does one have to do with the other?

2. Oh. So tell me: What wonderful new product was created that reduced unemployment from 9% to 4.5%?

3. Stop being an idiot

2. I think the 2 biggest things that spurred economic growth was reducing taxes on businesses.........and actually enforcing immigration laws already on the books. It gave people in business the incentive to grow and hire new employees.......and it removed Illegals which drove up the offered wages and attracted Americans who were previously unemployed.

3. Why would I stop when it works so well for me? I don't see the average American abandoning your methods despite it never working for them.

2. Lower taxes help

As for the number of incoming illegals, the numbers leveled off after 2009 meaning that the laws were being enforced from the very beginning. Deportations were actually on the rise during the years of a Democratic Congress and then leveled off when the Reps took over. For some reason, Republican preferred housing them at the border for some reason. Maybe it made for good press with Fox?

[abbey1227]

Jun 8, 2021 3:59:16 GMT Prometheus said:

2. Lower taxes help

As for the number of incoming illegals, the numbers leveled off after 2009 meaning that the laws were being enforced from the very beginning. Deportations were actually on the rise during the years of a Democratic Congress and then leveled off when the Reps took over. For some reason, Republican preferred housing them at the border for some reason. Maybe it made for good press with Fox?

2. Of course.........cost is cost.........and it always gets passed along to the end consumer. It has to.

I believe Trump's policy of making them stay in Mexico was a great first step. Making it clear they likely wouldn't be given a free pass and amnesty helps, too. Where do you figure all those people got those Biden t-shirts as they flocked to the border? WHY do you think the recent surge happened after the election results?

Which makes Kamala Harris' comments today "Do not come." all the more funny now..........their actions speak louder than their racist/xenophobic statements now, right?

[Prometheus]

Jun 8, 2021 4:07:55 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 8, 2021 3:59:16 GMT Prometheus said:

2. Lower taxes help

As for the number of incoming illegals, the numbers leveled off after 2009 meaning that the laws were being enforced from the very beginning. Deportations were actually on the rise during the years of a Democratic Congress and then leveled off when the Reps took over. For some reason, Republican preferred housing them at the border for some reason. Maybe it made for good press with Fox?

2. Of course.........cost is cost.........and it always gets passed along to the end consumer. It has to.

I believe Trump's policy of making them stay in Mexico was a great first step. Making it clear they likely wouldn't be given a free pass and amnesty helps, too. Where do you figure all those people got those Biden t-shirts as they flocked to the border? WHY do you think the recent surge happened after the election results?

Which makes Kamala Harris' comments today "Do not come." all the more funny now..........their actions speak louder than their racist/xenophobic statements now, right?

Las camisetas fueron hechas en Mexico.

[abbey1227]

Jun 8, 2021 4:18:47 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 8, 2021 4:07:55 GMT abbey1227 said:

Las camisetas fueron hechas en Mexico.

And paid for by........?  The same people that funded all the transportation for thousands of those weary travelers?

[Prometheus]

Jun 8, 2021 4:22:31 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 8, 2021 4:18:47 GMT Prometheus said:

Las camisetas fueron hechas en Mexico.

And paid for by........?  The same people that funded all the transportation for thousands of those weary travelers?

Shoe companies?

[abbey1227]

Jun 8, 2021 16:27:14 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 8, 2021 4:22:31 GMT abbey1227 said:

And paid for by........?  The same people that funded all the transportation for thousands of those weary travelers?

Shoe companies?

Could be. Nike has been very active politically and we know they love cheap labor

[Prometheus]

Jun 9, 2021 0:53:39 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 8, 2021 16:27:14 GMT Prometheus said:

Shoe companies?

Could be. Nike has been very active politically and we know they love cheap labor

All big companies are politically active.

How else could they run the country if they weren't?

[abbey1227]

Jun 9, 2021 3:22:15 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 9, 2021 0:53:39 GMT abbey1227 said:

Could be. Nike has been very active politically and we know they love cheap labor

All big companies are politically active.

How else could they run the country if they weren't?

good point

I guess I just prefer the puppeteers to not show their strings so much

[Prometheus]

Jun 9, 2021 5:29:33 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 9, 2021 3:22:15 GMT Prometheus said:

All big companies are politically active.

How else could they run the country if they weren't?

good point

I guess I just prefer the puppeteers to not show their strings so much

Like they did when they were "too big to fail" or when they got cabinet positions and ambassadorships?