Espaillat Helped Secure $7 Billion in Federal COVID Funding to Bolster NYC Department of Education's Response to COVID-19

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in response to the proposed budget cuts to New York City public schools:

"Two and a half years ago, life as we all knew it came to a screeching halt as families across New York City were forced to adjust to a new way of normal as the coronavirus pandemic ravaged our communities. We witnessed the daily impact of COVID-19 on every aspect of our lives, with many loved ones lost and businesses that have yet to recover. The impact was particularly difficult for our young people when schools abruptly transitioned to virtual learning and uncharted models for our school system, students, and their families.

“In Congress, I was a vocal advocate for supporting families through this transition and helped to secure $7 billion in federal funding to support the New York City Department of Education’s response to the virus outbreak. I am deeply concerned with these proposed budget cuts. Additionally, students still require the necessary assistance to help recover from the impact of the last few years and we must not cut funding for programs critical to their continued growth and development – and future.

“I am engaging with Mayor Adams on this important subject matter and will continue to advocate for Fair Student Funding at a time when students and their families need support the most.”