The Biden Administration's Plan for Families
The Biden Administration just released their National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness on January 21, 2021. There are many priorities listed within this 200 page document. As parents, I know how limited your time can be, especially now. Below, we’ve summarized the Administration’s goals most relevant to families. To note, the Administration’s goals would need to be passed by Congress in order for them to become law.
Reopening Schools
President Biden’s commitment is to reopen schools during his first 100 days. As a result, he plans to restore full reimbursement of costs incurred by schools to reopen. Schools should expect more guidance coming from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services on safe reopening and operating strategies, including national best practices. They will also work closely with states and school districts to increase screening testing for teachers and students.
Home and Community Based Services
President Biden has asked the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Administration for Community Living to identify opportunities and funding to provide increased support for individuals receiving home and community based services, with particular attention to those with disabilities.
Unfortunately there was limited mention in this overall strategy about aiding students with IEPs or special education students. Many of these students in Rhode Island have been left behind with continuous school closures that have impacted their strong need for stability and and/or distance learning challenges. As a result, access to therapies has also suffered for far too many. We look forward to learning more about what may become available to these students and adults needing these services. Miguel Cardona, nominee for U.S. Education Secretary has a record in Connecticut of addressing inequities of English-language learners and closing achievement gaps for students of color. We’ll be eager to see how he supports students with disabilities.
Child Care Centers (ie. Head Start) and At-Home Providers
Given how essential child care is, President Biden has called upon Congress to provide more financial aid to this industry; $25 billion in emergency stabilization (ie. rent costs, PPE) to child care centers hardest hit and $15 billion to help families struggling to afford child care. At this time, it’s unclear how this payment will be distributed and how eligibility will be determined.
Paid Leave
While the Families First Coronavirus Response Act created an emergency paid sick leave mandate (providing up to two weeks to those needing leave for COVID-19 related reasons), the recent supplemental package did not extend it. President Biden is calling upon Congress to put the requirement back in place and eliminate exemptions so that more workers are covered. Biden also wants Congress to expand both emergency paid sick and family leave and medical leave benefits to over 14 weeks.
President Biden’s COVID-19 priorities have the potential to positively impact our families, especially children in the coming weeks! As bills become introduced in the U.S. House or Senate, remember to reach out to your Congressional delegation to encourage their votes. You can find out who your elected officials are for your district by using this link from the RI Secretary of State’s office.