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Legislative Update


U.S. Senate may be moving toward more emergency federal aid for schools

by | Jul 9, 2020 | Federal Budget, Federal Issue, Legislative Update Blog, State Budget

Following a relatively quiet June on Capitol Hill, Congress is expected to be very busy in July as they race to complete important work – including passing another COVID-19 emergency response bill – before the lengthy August recess begins on August 7.

This is an opportunity for school leaders to seek substantial federal funding to help schools reopen safely this fall, amid huge financial uncertainty caused by declining state tax revenues.  Without such federal assistance, the prospect of dramatic cuts to state school aid looms large as states look to trim their budgets.

Back in May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of a fifth COVID-19 emergency response bill, dubbed The HEROES Act.  That bill, written and passed by House Democrats, would allocate $58 billion for school districts.  At the time of its passage, however, Senate Republican leaders declared the HEROES Act bill dead on arrival in the U.S. Senate.

More recently, Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the Republican chairman of the Senate education committee, estimated it will take between $50 billion and $75 billion in federal assistance for K-12 schools and colleges and universities to reopen safely.  His comments, and those of other Senate Republicans, have signaled a willingness to discuss significant federal assistance to schools as well as state and local governments.

On Tuesday, the White House asked Congress to pass a new coronavirus relief bill by August and limit the price tag to $1 trillion.  The same day, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tipped his hand this week on what would likely be in his proposal, including a five-year shield from coronavirus-related lawsuits for businesses, schools and hospitals unless they engaged in gross negligence. Republicans are also focused on trying to get schools reopened for the fall, and McConnell said that another round of stimulus checks, potentially with a lower income ceiling, “could well be” in the next bill.”

The Senate is not scheduled to be back in session until July 20.  However, Senate and House leaders have signaled plans to negotiate a fifth major emergency bill designed to help the nation navigate the pandemic, including by providing additional funding to help school districts respond to the pandemic and prepare for the next school year. This next major coronavirus response measure could be the last one taken up before the November elections.

It will be important for WASB members and other school leaders to educate Congress about the costs school districts face in serving students during the pandemic and about the unique expenses associated with reopening schools consistent with federal and state health requirements.

Furthermore, because Congress is not scheduled to return from its August recess until September 7, after the school year has begun, it will be important to convey a clear sense of urgency about the need for additional emergency funding to school districts before the recess begins in early August.

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