Sen. Stabenow: Schools Can’t Open Safely Without Federal Funding

Sen. Debbie Stabenow says the economy can’t full resume if schools don’t safely reopen. To do that, Congress will need to step in and help.

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow at Mackinac Policy Conference in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for parents, students, teachers and administrators across the country as schools have been forced to make the swift transition to remote learning. Districts are now rushing to solidify plans for a safe return to the classroom come fall, which many officials say is necessary for both student success and the stimulation of the economy. 

“Without additional resources, I just don’t know how our schools are going to reopen safely.” — Sen. Debbie Stabenow

But the increased measures will take increased funding, at a time when local and state governments are strapped for tax revenue.

Listen: Sen. Debbie Stabenow on her proposal to boost federal funding for schools and colleges this fall.


Senator Debbie Stabenow recently introduced a bipartisan bill to Congress that would financially support schools in their safe reopening.

She says that with the school aid fund depleted and the economy down, the numbers don’t add up without the federal government’s assistance.

“Without additional resources, I just don’t know how our schools are going to reopen safely,” says Stabenow. The structure of school funding in Michigan is another issue Senator Stabenow hopes is addressed when tackling the educational disparities exposed by the pandemic. 

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  • Detroit Today
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