On World Teacher Day As Schools Reopen To Students, Mucarsel-Powell Calls For Funding For COVID Protective Equipment At Schools

Press Release

MIAMI, FL -- Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), member of the Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, released the following statement regarding school safety:

"This World Teacher Day, as schools start in-person classes, we must do more to show our gratitude to educators and school staff. We must provide them with the federal funding, guidance, and protective equipment needed to safely educate our students," said Mucarsel-Powell. "Last week we passed an updated Heroes Act that includes substantial funding I fought for to provide resources to protect school staff and students from COVID. As state and local budgets run thin and COVID-19 remains at dangerous levels in Florida and across the country, these funds are needed more than ever. The Republican Senate must take immediate action and pass this bill."

Last week, it was reported that not all schools are fully equipped with protective supplies, and that some teachers have had to spend hundreds of their own dollars to purchase protective and sanitary equipment for their classrooms. Additionally, a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) showed 4 in 10 districts need to update or replace HVAC systems in at least half of their school buildings in order to keep students and staff safe.

The updated Heroes Act that passed in the House last week includes $225 billion for education.

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