U.S. Representative Mark Green (R-TN-07) authored new legislation to mandate in-person learning in order to continue to receive federal funding.
The bill, entitled the Keep Schools Open Act, was co-sponsored by more than 10 other lawmakers, including Representatives Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) and Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03).
“The coronavirus pandemic has impacted our children tenfold. From increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness, to an almost 23% spike in emergency room visits for suicide attempts among children aged twelve to seventeen—there is a dire need for our children to be at school. If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that the cost of keeping children out of school far outweighs any health benefit,” Green said.
Across the country, many cities and school systems were awarded millions from the federal government in order to ensure safe conditions for in-person instruction throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Despite these funds, many districts began the semester with a return to online learning.
For example, estimates demonstrated that Chicago Public Schools were to receive nearly $2.8 billion in federal coronavirus relief. However, in January, the city’s teachers union demanded virtual learning due to the Omicron variant.
“Throughout the rampant school closures of the past two years, parents and educators have proven to be true superheroes, working countless hours to ensure our children receive the very best education possible. However, for every child forced to learn virtually, there’s a parent who has to make the difficult decision to work or stay home, which disproportionately affects women and single parents. My Keep Schools Open Act is a crucial step in the fight to ensure children and families don’t suffer additional learning loss and career setbacks due to unnecessary school closures,” Green said of his legislation.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mark Green” by United State Congress. Background Photo “Classroom” by Wokandapix.
A much better piece of legislation would be to eliminate the Department of Education and end ALL federal involvement in public schools thereby returning public education to the states and local authorities where it once was and where it belongs. Green might as well file my proposed bill instead of the one he has because neither will see the light of day but at least he could make a statement.