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[Pages H4894-H4895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Horsford). The Chair recognizes the
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for 5 minutes.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express support for our
Nation's public school systems, particularly, our K-12 institutions
that are grappling with a frightening reality.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has posed an unprecedented
threat to our schools and without additional further assistance, they
cannot afford to take necessary safety measures to reopen.
For example, according to a recent Government Accountability Office
report, 4 of 10 districts need to update or replace HVAC systems in at
least half of their school buildings. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention has identified proper ventilation as a key consideration
for schools seeking to reopen safely.
Today, it has been 6 months since New York City Public Schools and
many others across the Nation were shuttered. The decision to close our
schools was necessary and slowed the disease's spread, saving lives.
However, I understand this was a difficult decision for many families
because of the vital support services that schools provide.
Not only is the school system where young people learn, but they also
serve as a vital community anchor, providing nutritional assistance,
special education, teacher support, and childcare. We all want schools
to reopen for our students, but it must be done safely, and that
requires additional Federal resources.
In March, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, were
signed into law. Both measures help address the urgent challenges
facing every part of our education system. These funds help educators
adjust to long-term school closures, fund purchases for online learning
materials, and provide a lifeline for public schools.
While the relief bills enacted so far took steps in the right
direction, the magnitude of this pandemic demands more. Four months
ago, the House passed the HEROES Act which will go even further.
Without the HEROES Act, budget shortfalls are projected to reach nearly
$500 billion for State governments alone.
The Senate's inaction has resulted in no relief for State and local
governments, which are now being forced to make deep cuts to public
education. Without significant Federal funding, our schools cannot
upgrade buildings, provide PPE, continue virtual or blended learning,
and, ultimately, safely reopen.
As the public health crisis has worsened since the passage of the
HEROES
[[Page H4895]]
Act, the amount of funding needed to repair and modernize school
facilities for the safe reopening has grown. My colleagues and I are
now fighting for $300 billion to safely reopen our schools and maintain
services for students.
Today, I am calling on the Senate to act immediately and pass a
comprehensive relief package that provides significant resources to
safely reopen our schools and protect students, staff, and families.
We must guarantee the academic achievement and basic development
needs of our youth. However, we must also care for the safety and the
mental and physical health of our students, educators, staff, and
families.
At every level of government, we must do more for our teachers, our
school administrators, and the families who depend on critical services
provided by our public school system. That is why the Senate needs to
stop obstructing and pass meaningful legislation for our Nation's
families.
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