When introducing his American Jobs Act, President Obama argued that investing in America's schools is the best possible jobs plan.

In addition to putting people back to work rebuilding outdated and run-down school facilities, improving education for today's children is an investment in our future economy.

Crumbling and inadequate school facilities are a reality for far too many of our students and represent an unacceptable injustice. Forty-four percent of school principals say the poor condition of their school interferes with students' learning. President Obama's proposal includes a $25 billion investment in school infrastructure that will modernize at least 35,000 public schools.

In addition, the President proposes investing $30 billion to prevent layoffs of up to 280,000 teachers. Layoffs are never desirable, and layoffs in districts based solely on seniority - with no regard for the effectiveness of a teacher in contributing to student learning - are even worse.

The American Jobs Act can be an opportunity for the nation's education system.  It can give students the school facilities they deserve, and keep effective teachers in our classrooms.  If the additional resources are spent wisely, they will help our public schools to successfully prepare our children for future jobs in our knowledge economy.

Take action today and tell your representatives in Congress to support America's schools by passing President Obama's American Jobs Act.