Elementary or secondary schools that do not offer in-person instruction would not be permitted to receive federal pandemic-relief funds under a bill introduced on Feb. 3 by U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and six of their GOP colleagues.
“During this unprecedented pandemic, our students and families in North Carolina and across the country have experienced great disruptions to their academic development and well-being,” Sen. Tillis said, “and there is no question that these disruptions will have long-lasting consequences.”
Sens. Tillis and Ernst are cosponsors of the Put Students First Act of 2021, S. 211, which was introduced by sponsor U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), along with cosponsors including U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Steve Daines (R-MT). The legislation would prohibit federal funding to schools lacking an in-person learning option by April 30, 2021.
A statement released last week by Sen. Tillis cited a Jan. 26 report published by health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which noted that new scientific research provides “a path forward to maintain or return primarily or fully to in-person instructional delivery.”
“This is a matter of emotional and academic development and the mental health of our kiddos, as well as the well-being of our working families,” Sen. Ernst said. “I’m proud to join this effort that will ensure schools that put our children first receive additional federal support during COVID-19.”
If enacted, S. 211 would require schools that do not reopen and which have already received fiscal year 2021 and/or COVID-19 relief dollars, return these funds, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.
Additionally, following the return or forfeiture of federal funds, states where schools are closed for in-person learning would have 15 days to submit a plan to the U.S. Department of Education on how to use those funds to support school choice options for students impacted by school closures, among other provisions, according to the summary.
“The science is clear: our students, especially those who have special needs or live in underserved communities, will continue to face substantial learning loss and will not be able to receive crucial supportive services,” said Sen. Tillis.