Chairman Scott Introduces Bill to Support K-12 and Higher Education Students Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON – Today, Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) introduced legislation to provide more than $3 billion in emergency funding for early childhood education programs, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions in response to the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding provided through the Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act, HR 6275, will help maintain critical child care operations, give schools the funding they need to cope with school closures, and offers support for students in higher education by providing additional emergency financial aid for basic necessities such as housing, food, and health care.
“During this time of crisis, young children, students, educators, and institutions need our support,” said Chairman Scott. “School closures are jeopardizing access to basic essentials for millions of young people and students across the country, often leaving families without many options. The Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act is a strong response that provides schools and students the support they need as we confront this public health emergency.”
The funding in the Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act will allow schools to reopen more quickly by covering costs of sanitization and emergency staffing needs, and will ensure schools can provide students critical services, such as nutritious meals, access to technology, and mental health services. The bill also establishes increased flexibility for students with student loan obligations and eases the financial burden on students and institutions in response to the coronavirus crisis.
A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).
To read the fact sheet for Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act, click here.
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