America’s libraries are one of our pillars of democracy and King County has one of the best. When I was a teacher for 35 years, it was always clear who had spent time at the library in the summer: they were ready to pick up where they left off.

For 263 million children in our world, there will be no opportunity to go to school, according to the United Nations. That is why Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Education for All Act in the House (H.R. 4481) with the co-sponsorship of other members of the House, including Washington Reps. Rick Larsen and Suzan DelBene, it has already passed out of committee. Meanwhile, two Republican and two Democratic Senators introduced a companion bill in the Senate (S. 3256). Showing there can be cooperation in the era of congressional gridlock, this legislation will strengthen the impact and accountability of U.S. work to educate all children.

When children are educated they are healthier and earn more. Birth rates drop and communities prosper. We can be a part of this change by asking our thanking our representatives for supporting this bill and asking them to pass it.

Willie Dickerson, Snohomish