Kaine Makes Education Stops In Harrisonburg & Waynesboro, Hosts Open House In Roanoke
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine participated in educational events in Harrisonburg and Waynesboro, attended the Rockingham County Fair and held an open house at his regional office in Roanoke. In the morning, Kaine joined educators and administrators at the 2013-2014 school year opening of the Harrisonburg City School System, where he spoke about the importance of investing in education and preparing students to succeed in a 21st century economy and congratulated teacher of the year Candace Foster.
“I am profoundly grateful to teachers across Virginia who prepare our kids for success,” said Kaine. “As a parent with a combined 40 years of my kids in public school, I've seen their dedication first-hand and we must do more to train and recruit fantastic teachers that change the lives of students.”
During the introduction, the Harrisonburg City Public School superintendent praised Kaine for his strong commitment to K-12 and early childhood education. As governor, Kaine invested in Virginia's education system and established a STEM-focused grants program to start the Commonwealth’s first Career and Technical academies, expanded Pre-K enrollment by 40% and championed a $2 billion higher-education construction bond package. Since taking office in January, Kaine voted against cuts to Head Start that were part of sequestration and continues to advocate the expansion of education programs as the Senate prepares to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Following the Harrisonburg City School System school year opening, Kaine stopped by the Rockingham County Fair where he spoke with attendees and visited the exhibit hall. The fair has been an annual community event since 1949 and will host thousands of attendees this year. In Waynesboro, Kaine toured the Fishburne Military School and spoke with cadets and members of the administration about the important role education plays in shaping a better future for the military. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed his commitment to servicemembers and described how his first Senate bill, the Troop Talent Act, would improve the translation of military skills into civilian credentials and increase employment opportunities for servicemembers when they transition from active-duty service.
“I'm honored to be the first senator to visit Fishburne Military School. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee it's incredibly important to visit military communities across the Commonwealth including those that train future servicemembers,” said Kaine. “Members of our military and veterans are a vital talent pool for us which is why my first bill focuses on connecting the skills they acquire in service with job opportunities. I will continue to work with my colleagues to reduce the unemployment rate for returning veterans and support them as they transition back home.”
In the afternoon, Kaine hosted an open house at his Roanoke regional office and spoke with Virginians about issues important to Roanoke as well as the critical work his staff across the Commonwealth does to serve constituents and help them navigate issues with federal agencies. Kaine has six regional offices in Virginia located in Danville, Manassas, Norton, Richmond, Roanoke and Virginia Beach. On Friday, Kaine will continue his tour throughout the Commonwealth with stops in Bedford County, Danville and South Boston.
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