Education Reform Now National President Shavar Jeffries released the following statement in response to COVID-19, the Novel Coronavirus, response:
“Across our nation, we are facing unprecedented circumstances—ones that not only jeopardize the health and well-being of ourselves, our children and our families, but our financial stability. While the virus does not discriminate by race/ethnicity or income—the disruptions to our daily lives disproportionately impact the most vulnerable communities—the communities we seek to serve.
Time is of the essence. We need unwavering leadership from our government at all levels so that proactive steps, informed by healthcare workers and scientists, are taken to protect the health and safety of our country, and those disparately impacted by the economic impact of this pandemic are adequately supported.
We urge Congress to pass H.R. 6201, the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” to provide much needed resources for healthcare workers and families facing financial struggles as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, we endorse Senator Murray’s “Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act” which calls for resources to assist early childhood programs, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education from the cleansing of classrooms and buildings to mental health supports for students and staff.
With the November election quickly approaching, it is imperative that the federal government provide the necessary funding and guidance for states to prepare and ensure there are no barriers to the ballot due to COVID-19.
At ERN, we will continue to work at the federal level and with our state chapters to support students, families and communities as we navigate the effects of the Coronavirus and make necessary adjustments to our day to day operations.
We are all in this together.”
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This statement was update on March 19, 2020.