Education
The Representatives and Senators responded to an interim final rule from the U.S. Department of Education that incorrectly interprets the equitable services provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and improperly diverts federal emergency aid dollars intended for public schools to private school students—without regard to need or income. Their letter details the numerous ways that the Department's rule disregards the CARES Act and existing law, including waiving the mandatory 30-day waiting period for this rule to take effect.
Suzanne Bonamici, the US House representative for Oregon, helped introduce legislation on Thursday to make all students eligible for free school meals this school year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation, called the Pandemic Child Hunger Prevention Act, would allow kids to access breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snack programs in school or through "grab-and-go" and delivery options.
The effort is co-led by several other representatives and officials.
Larsen has "done everything from cleaning the toilets to meeting with (state Sen.) Betsy Johnson and (Congresswoman) Suzanne Bonamici," Jones-Centeno said. "She is on all sides of this thing … That woman has been the force behind the life of the Partners for the PAC."
"She is a force. I wish I had her tenacity and fortitude."
Waisenan retained the right to rename the building if she wanted to. Unknown to Larsen, she chose to rename it the Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts.
The new name debuted Monday.