# Get Toxic Substances Out of Schools Act of 2024

This bill creates a new federal grant program to help schools and child care facilities identify and remove toxic substances from their buildings. The Environmental Protection Agency would distribute money to states and Native American tribes, which would then pass it along to local schools, early childhood programs, and child care centers to test for and eliminate hazardous materials like lead, asbestos, mold, and harmful chemicals used for cleaning and maintenance.

The bill prioritizes funding for schools serving low-income students, ensuring that at least 40 percent of the money goes to the poorest school districts. It also sets aside at least 10 percent for early childhood programs and child care providers that serve vulnerable populations, including infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children in foster care. An additional 5 percent is reserved specifically for schools operated by Native American tribes. The grants can be used for testing facilities, removing contaminated materials, improving ventilation systems, and training school staff on environmental health best practices.

To ensure quality work, the bill requires that any construction or renovation projects funded by these grants follow strict labor standards, including paying workers prevailing wages and having certified safety professionals oversee the work. Projects costing $25 million or more must have formal labor agreements in place. Additionally, materials used in these projects must be manufactured in the United States, supporting American workers and businesses.

Essentially, this bill aims to make schools and child care facilities safer by giving them federal money to tackle environmental health hazards that could harm children's development and learning.