Jenniffer González Announces $ 2.9 Billion for Education From New COVID Rescue Law

Press Release

Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón announced that the federal Department of Education allocated $ 2,965,938,760 to Puerto Rico from the recently approved Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds are in addition to the $ 1.8 billion that Governor Pierluisi announced that were also made available today, stemming from the past incentive laws in relation to Covid, so Puerto Rico would have $ 4.7 billion available to update schools. In addition, Puerto Rico will receive $ 96,192,497 from the federal Department of Health (HHS) for Covid-19 detection tests focused on schools and that they can open safely.

Today, the federal Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, made $ 122 billion available to the 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC from the American Rescue Plan (Public Law 117-02). The federal government's goal is for most schools to reopen in grades kindergarten through eight within the first 100 days of the administration. Secretary Cardona wants these funds to reach the state education departments this month.

Funds from the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund can be used to address various issues related to the impact of COVID-19 in pre-K through 12:

Invest in resources to implement CDC's K-12 operational strategy for in-person learning, keep educators, staff, and students safe, improve ventilation, purchase personal protection equipment (PPE), and obtain additional space to secure social distancing in classrooms.
Avoid layoffs and hire additional educators to address learning loss, provide support for existing students and staff, and provide enough staff to facilitate social distancing.
Implement strategies to meet the social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs of students most affected by the pandemic, including through evidence-based interventions and essential services such as community schools.
Fund critical summer, after-school, and other enrichment and extended learning programs.
Hire additional school personnel, such as nurses and custodians, to keep schools safe and healthy.
Have protocols for social distancing and safety on buses.
Funding for Wi-Fi access points and devices for students without connectivity for remote learning and supporting educators in the effective use of technology; among other uses.

Today Governor Pierluisi announced that Federal Education made available the $ 1.8 billion from previous laws related to the pandemic that they awaited for the appointment of a third trustee.

The commissioner has been advocating for the disbursement of these funds, including last week a letter to the federal Secretary of Education requesting that more funds be made available, as the third trustee had been hired.

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