For Release: May 12, 2020
Contact: Dorie Turner Nolt, 404.861.1127, dorie@dorieturnernolt.com
Washington, D.C.–“The latest relief package proposed in Congress, known as the HEROES Act, is not heroic when it comes to helping schools. I appreciate that House Democrats have proposed funding for state and local fiscal stabilization, as education comprises a major portion of state and local budgets. However, with over 50 million students home from school with massive learning loss as a result, we must target significant funds specifically for education so students continue learning while school buildings are closed.
This bill falls far short of the $175 billion that states need to avoid massive cuts to education and key services, and it doesn’t target any money to schools that serve the largest number of low-income, special needs, or homeless students. What’s more, the bill only appropriates $1.5 billion for home internet access when millions of families are without the critical connectivity for students to participate in online classes with their peers and to continue supportive relationships with their teachers.
We are in an unprecedented crisis that will affect families, especially our youth, for years to come, and both Democrats and Republicans in Congress need to step up for families, educators, and schools. What we offer to our students tells them what we value. Let’s demonstrate our priority for their academic and social-emotional well-being.”
Deborah S. Delisle is the president and CEO of the Alliance for Excellent Education and served as Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education from 2012 to 2015.
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The Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed) is a Washington, DC-based national policy, practice, and advocacy organization committed to improving educational outcomes — and lives — of students, with a focus on those in middle and high school. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion and specifically advocate on behalf of all students who are historically underserved or marginalized. www.all4ed.org
