Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) called on schools, who opt to return to remote learning during the school year, to give back federal funding.
In an appearance on Fox Business Network’s Kudlow, the Tennessee senator explained the lack of funding would serve as an accountability measure.
“Well, and that is something that they should be doing. Looking for accountability, how about this? These school systems that took all of these billions of dollars to keep the classrooms open, if they are not keeping the classrooms open, give the money back,” she said.
Blackburn’s remarks follow ongoing discussions between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers’ Union to address in-person learning. The teachers’ union has advocated for a return to remote learning for all students in the district.
However, over the course of the pandemic, Chicago Public Schools has received approximately $2.8 billion in federal aid, which is aimed to help schools reopen safely.
Furthermore, Chicago is not the only region impacted by the decision from school officials. Thousands of students across the country have been forced to go back to learning from a computer screen and having limited social interaction.
Leaders have seemingly ignored the negative and dangerous consequences of virtual learning, as thousands of students have fallen behind their peers throughout the pandemic.
“They have used that money to plus up bonuses to teachers, to buy equipment and things that had nothing to do with COVID. All of that is taxpayer dollar money. That is not federal government money. It has come out of the pockets of hard-working taxpayers and if that money is not going to be used to keep these children in school, then send the money back to D.C.,” Blackburn added.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
