As the son of public school educators, I have always held a public school education in the highest regard.  As parents, educators, and public officials, I believe we have an obligation and a moral duty to ensure that students, from pre-school to high school and beyond, receive a world class education. Therefore, it’s imperative that we provide them with the necessary tools they need to succeed in today’s complex and technological world.

The most important component of a child’s education is having a quality teacher in the classroom. Our educators today face new obstacles and challenges, and we must provide them with the resources and support they need. That is why, as your Representative in the United States Congress, I will continue to support legislation that benefits our students and their educators. Congress must fully fund the President’s “No Child Left Behind” Act if we are to make real strides in educating our youth.  By fighting to fully fund this and other important legislation, I will continue to stand up for our educators to ensure that Arkansas’s students and teachers will be among the best and brightest in the country.

While America’s teachers are the front line in educating our students, they need help outside of the classroom too. As a parent, it is also up to us to offer the necessary support our children need to grow and succeed in the classroom.

So, as Arkansas schools start another exciting year, I hope you will join me in wishing both our students and teachers all the best on their journey towards academic excellence and achievement. 

Washington – U.S. Representative Mike Ross (D-04) today announced that the city of Pine Bluff has received $500,000 from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Association (EDA). The grant will allow for the completion of the pavilion as designed along Lake Pine Bluff. Ross was joined by U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) in today’s announcement.

"I'm proud to announce this important funding today, as this significant federal investment will go a long way towards enhancing downtown Pine Bluff in its ongoing revitalization efforts,” Ross said.  “Once complete, Pine Bluff will have a state-of-the-art pavilion along Lake Pine Bluff that will serve as a multi-use facility for the entire community.”

Ross helped secure the initial $1.5 million EDA grant from the Department of Commerce for the project, and he brought Pedro Garza, EDA Regional Director, to visit Pine Bluff to see the site first-hand. 

"I am pleased to help announce this important funding for the City of Pine Bluff," Lincoln said. "I applaud community leaders for their diligent work to bring about the construction of the Lakeshore Pavilion which will no doubt play a strong role in Pine Bluff’s economic development initiatives."

“Completing the pavilion at Lake Pine Bluff holds exciting opportunities for economic growth in the area. I’m pleased this additional funding will keep the project moving full speed ahead,” Pryor said.

Construction is expected to begin soon on the final phase and should be complete by April 2007. The pavilion will house a farmer’s market, classroom facilities and access to the lake.