none of my colleagues in perth-amboy high school have been so fortunate. for more than 75 of my colleagues, their future is in limbo and it's not just about them. that is, since fewer teachers will be available in the classroom when school reopens in september. that means fewer teachers giving our kids the full -- the fundamental skills they need to compete and succeed in the global community. i am here today to speak for them and the children that we love to teach. the money approved by the house today will allow our district to rehire and bring more of our colleagues back into the classroom where they belong. i am thankful to our representative for passing this bill. which is not -- which is a shot in the arm for public education across the country. thank you for putting our children first. [applause] i would like to now turn it over to stilla edwards from chesterfield, virginia. >> thank you for allowing me to join you here today. hello, my name is stella edwards, i'm president of the chesterfield county council of p.t.a.'s, where i work with nearly 40,