Support Public Schools

Floor Speech

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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 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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