Bell Introduces Reinvest in Public Schools Act to Cut Costs for Districts and Support Safer, Modern Schools

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) introduced the Reinvest in Public Schools Act of 2026, legislation to restore a critical financing tool that allows public school districts to refinance bonds at lower interest rates and reinvest the savings directly into classrooms and facilities.

“Strong public schools are one of the clearest paths to opportunity in this country,” said Rep. Bell. “When classrooms are outdated or buildings are in disrepair, it’s our kids who pay the price. This bill helps school districts lower their borrowing costs so they can reinvest in safer facilities, modern classrooms, and the kind of learning environments every child deserves. If we’re serious about expanding opportunity, we have to be serious about investing in our public schools.”

“One of the core responsibilities of every school district is to be a good steward of local resources. Restoring tax‑exempt advance refunding would allow districts to refinance bonds at lower interest rates, which directly benefits taxpayers and helps us invest more in students and safe, well‑maintained schools. We appreciate efforts that reflect the real needs we hear from our communities,” said Dr. Mark Penny, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of School Administrators.

The Reinvest in Public Schools Act reinstates the use of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds for public school infrastructure projects, reversing a provision in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that eliminated this option. By allowing school districts to refinance debt under better terms, the legislation will help free up resources for construction, rehabilitation, repair of school facilities, and acquisition of land for future projects.

The Reinvest in Public Schools Act is supported by the National Education Association and Missouri Association of School Administrators.

Read the full bill text here.

 

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