Monday, March 23, 2020

Coronavirus Relief Package Update



State Presidents and Federal Legislative Chairs,

As you may have seen and/or heard, the Speaker of the House has released a third coronavirus relief package (a counter proposal to Senator McConnell’s bill). In the House proposal there is a provision for an Emergency Connectivity Fund to provide $2 billion to schools and libraries for Wi-Fi hotspots, connected devices and mobile broadband Internet service to ensure continuity of K-12 learning during this COVID-19 national emergency.  National PTA supports this fund and joined fellow education groups on the attached letter that was sent today to House leaders indicating our collective support. 

Please know the Government Affairs Department is working hard to ensure federal resources are provided to ensure ALL students have access to the tools, broadband and supports necessary to engage in remote learning during these unprecedent times.

I will continue to keep you updated.  The letter will be up soon on our letters to policymakers page under Education Technology and Student Data Privacy

Please feel free to share as appropriate throughout your networks. 

Thanks,
Jacki


Jacki Ball | Director, Government Affairs
National PTA®