Congresswoman Kelly Hosts Eleventh COVID19 Response Call with Local Educators
Matteson, IL – Tuesday, Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted a telephone town hall with educators from the 2nd Congressional District to discuss the first three COVID19 response bills and hear suggestions for further legislative relief efforts.
"I wanted to hear the on-the-ground concerns of our teachers and listen to their ideas on what should be included in the CARES 2 relief bill that Congress is currently preparing," Congresswoman Kelly said. "With our children's futures at stake, we need to get this right. Our top priority is to provide more money for our schools and communities, along with another round of direct payments to families and targeted investments in disproportionately impacted communities."
Congresswoman Kelly briefed teachers on newly infused funding designated for Illinois' elementary and secondary schools as well as education earmarks that will be distributed at Governor Pritzker's discretion.
Many Second District teachers expressed their concerns about the safety of educators and staff once schools reopen in the fall, as well as the shortage of teachers and substitutes. Other issues of concern were:
- The expansion of broadband infrastructure in areas with connectivity issues,
- Paycheck protection for teachers and staff if paid sick time is exhausted due to repeated quarantines,
- More funding for professional development in remote online teaching,
- Adequate funding of state governments to prevent school budget cuts and teacher layoffs,
- Social distancing in overcrowded classrooms, congested hallways and cafeterias once schools reopen,
- An expanded SNAP program and an extension of pandemic school food relief into the summer session.
This call was the eleventh in the Congresswoman's COVID19 response series. On Wednesday, Congresswoman Kelly participated in a constituent virtual town hall with Senator Dick Durban and members of the Illinois Delegation focusing on COVID19 and its impacts on the African American community.
For information on other upcoming conference calls, visit Congresswoman Kelly's Facebook or Twitter pages.
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