Bill Seeks ‘Pandemic Funding’ For 21st Century After-school Programs

Featured Article by Stell Simonton, Youth Today

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Sen. Tina Smith recently introduced legislation that requests for an extra $1.2 billion for 21st Century after-school programs. According to Erik Peterson, Afterschool Alliance’s vice president of policy, there’s a chance that this new bill will come in a COVID-19 relief package or as an omnibus spending bill.  

Having the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 (S. 4868) will allow programs to serve more youth; increase staff sizes; provide more flexibility in program operations; make things easier for working parents; as well as afford funds to properly maintain CDC guidelines (e.g. buying sanitation products). 

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