Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026
Summary
The Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2026 aims to provide funding for the long-term improvement of public school facilities across the United States. It establishes grant programs and tax credit bonds to support construction, modernization, and repair projects. The bill prioritizes schools with high percentages of students from low-income families and those facing health and safety threats.
Expected Effects
This act would lead to significant investment in school infrastructure, potentially improving learning environments and student outcomes. It could also stimulate economic activity through construction projects and create jobs. However, the effectiveness depends on efficient allocation and oversight of funds.
Potential Benefits
- Improved learning environments for students through modern and safe facilities.
- Increased access to digital learning resources and high-speed broadband.
- Job creation in the construction and related industries.
- Enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability of school buildings.
- Reduction of health and safety hazards in schools, such as exposure to toxic substances.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds or mismanagement at the state and local levels.
- Increased federal debt due to the authorization of appropriations and tax credit bonds.
- Risk of projects being delayed or not completed on time.
- Possible increase in construction costs due to requirements for using American-made products.
- The 10% state matching requirement could burden some states.
Constitutional Alignment
The Rebuild America's Schools Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to provide for the well-being of the nation. The Act's focus on education and infrastructure indirectly supports the goal of a more informed and productive citizenry. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising questions about the extent of federal involvement in education, which is traditionally a state responsibility.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).