DeLauro Statement on Closure of New Haven Public Schools and Senior Centers
WASHINGTON, DC —(March 12, 2020) Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement after New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced the indefinite closure of all New Haven Public Schools and senior centers.
"I have deep respect for the decision Mayor Elicker and city officials made today to close down New Haven Public Schools. I know our local leaders did not take this decision lightly and that it is done to protect our kids' and their families' health. The Mayor's decision underscores the urgency for Congress to act—immediately—to ensure kids and seniors who rely on school meals and Senior Nutrition programs do not go hungry, as well as emergency paid leave and paid sick days for families so they can take care of their loved ones. The coronavirus pandemic is turning people's lives upside down right now, and we must take decisive action here in Congress for families so they do not fall through the cracks. Every minute counts."
Yesterday, Congresswoman DeLauro sent a letter to Department of Education (ED) Secretary Betsy DeVos seeking further guidance for families of students with disabilities. Given the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), students with disabilities are particularly at risk to being left behind as schools take measures to shut down or move to remote learning. And earlier this week, DeLauro sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to take action to ensure American families have food security during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.