HARRISBURG – The recently passed federal Stimulus Package contains $1.9 Billion in emergency relief funds for both public and private schools across Pennsylvania, according to Senator David G. Argall. This includes 20 school districts and charter schools in the 29th Senatorial District, which Argall represents. This news comes after the Senate Majority Policy Committee heard testimony from educators that raised concerns as to whether school districts would be able to handle the financial burden placed on them by the COVID-19 mitigation measures of the Department of Education.
“I was very pleased to hear that the new stimulus bill provides this assistance to our schools districts,” said Argall. “Our children are our most valuable resource and ensuring that they have a safe and secure environment to learn in is of the utmost importance. This new funding will be an incredible asset as schools continue to grapple with the new reality that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced upon us all.”
These funds will be distributed through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), which was established under the CARES act when it was passed last year. While this is the second time that these grants have been distributed since the pandemic began, Pennsylvania schools will be receiving approximately four times as much money this time around.
The money received can be used for a variety of COVID-19 mitigation measures including purchasing cleaning supplies, coordinating operations for long-term closures, purchasing educational technology that supports students in need who are learning from home, and providing principals with the resources they need to keep their school running smoothly.
Contact: James Brugger
717.787.2637