Congressman Troy Carter Statement on Education Secretary Cardona’s Visit to Louisiana’s Second Congressional District 

 NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – On Thursday and Friday this week, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. joined U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona during his visit to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. A series of school events with the Secretary included student conversations, parent conversations, and tours at Wilcox Academy of Early Learning in New Orleans and McKinley Middle Magnet School and Glen Oaks High School in Baton Rouge.

Following the conclusion of Secretary Cardona’s visit to Louisiana’s Second Congressional District, Congressman Carter released the following statement:

“I am extremely appreciative to have had cabinet member and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in southeast Louisiana these past two days to speak with educators, our young people and their families.

“The visit brought up important issues facing our students and educators like learning loss, mental health, virtual learning, after-school activities, and community partnerships in schools. More than a year and a half into the pandemic, it’s clear we need targeted efforts to help students catch up academically, rebuild emotionally, and stay safe as COVID-19 continues to persist in our communities.

“During these school visits, the Secretary and I received a lot of feedback and ideas on how to rebuild our education system to be stronger and more inclusive than it was pre-pandemic. The Secretary will be reporting back on the takeaways from this visit to President Biden and I will use this experience to guide my decision-making as I craft education policy.

“One legislative effort that will positively transform the landscape of our education system is the Build Back Better Act, which among other programs includes the largest investment in early childhood education in our nation’s history. We know that when we invest in high-quality early education, it helps them graduate high school, seek further education, and find successful careers.

“I was proud to vote in support of the Build Back Better Act last month when the legislation passed the House. Now, the Senate must take up this groundbreaking legislation and help build a brighter future for America’s children, seniors, and working families.”

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