Press Releases

Congresswoman Wilson Sends Letter to U.S. Department of Education Calling for Review of Florida House Proposal to Withhold Funding from School Districts that implemented Mask Mandates

MIAMI, FL – In response to the Florida House of Representatives’ budget proposal, which would withhold $200 million in funding from Local Education Agencies that have implemented mask-wearing requirements, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson sent a letter to United States Department of Education Secretary Dr. Miguel Cardona calling for a federal review of the proposal:

“The proposal introduced by the Florida legislature, which has been endorsed by Governor DeSantis, is a dangerous and retaliatory proposal that puts students, teachers, and staff at greater risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Congresswoman Wilson. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has maintained its recommendation that individuals in high levels of COVID-19 transmission continue to wear masks indoors in public, including in K-12 schools, and this attempt by the Florida republicans only contradicts the opinions and recommendations of our nation’s top health experts.

“Our country has made incredible strides in our efforts to combat COVID-19 and slow its spread, and I fear that this proposal will only stall the gains we have made toward ending the pandemic,” continued Rep. Wilson. “As a result, I have asked the U.S. Department of Education to review the proposal and provide a comprehensive summary of the Department’s authority to aid school districts that are penalized for implementing science-based strategies like mask mandates. It is my hope that, with this letter, the Department of Education will continue its support and commitment to Florida families and educators amidst the ongoing pandemic.”

###