Blumenauer, Bonamici Announce Hundreds of Millions in Expected COVID Relief Funds for Local School Districts

Press Release

Today, U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Chair of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, announced that school districts in Oregon's Third and First Congressional Districts are estimated to receive hundreds of millions of dollars if Congress passes President Biden's American Rescue Plan, which is currently moving forward as part of the budget reconciliation process. The funds would help give K-12 schools the resources they need to reopen safely, provide more in-person instruction to more students, and address the significant impact of the pandemic on students' education and well-being.

According to a new assessment by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the relief package being considering in Congress would, in its current form, provide the following estimated funding amounts to local school districts:

Portland School District: $74,166,000
Beaverton School District: $50,488,000
Reynolds School District: $32,560,000
David Douglas School District: $30,647,000
Hillsboro School District: $27,098,000
Gresham-Barlow School District: $20,875,000
Centennial School District: $17,202,000
North Clackamas School District: $16,738,000
McMinnville School District: $9,226,000
Parkrose School District: $6,781,000
Newberg School District: $5,759,000
St. Helens School District: $4,677,000
Oregon Trail School District: $3,511,000
Astoria School District: $2,905,000
Seaside School District: $2,863,000
Estacada School District: $1,982,000
Scappoose School District: $1,730,000
Corbett School District: $566,000
Riverdale School District: $106,000
And more
"We're all eager to get students back in the classroom as soon as possible," Blumenauer said. "These funds are essential to providing school districts the tools and resources they need to keep kids, teachers, and support staff healthy in the process. It's yet another reason why we must pass the American Rescue Plan."

"Some schools in NW Oregon have been able to reopen, but many have not," Bonamici said. "We all want students and educators back in schools, but they need resources to make sure everyone is safe. This funding will help with PPE, cleaning supplies, ventilation, and more. As a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee I've been advocating for funding to help schools and districts equitably serve students during these difficult times. I'm glad the American Rescue Plan will provide schools with the resources and flexibility they need."

The estimated grant amounts were prepared by CRS based on the legislation submitted to the House Budget Committee by the House Education and Labor Committee. The legislation is still subject to change.

The House Budget Committee will consider the American Rescue Plan on Monday, February 22, 2021. A full vote by the U.S. House of Representatives on the plan is expected later that week.

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