As D.C. tightens its fiscal belt, we must not squeeze students - The Washington Post
The novel coronavirus has brought our nation tremendous heartache and wreaked havoc on our economy. To her credit, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) has responded quickly and decisively, wisely relying on science and evidence when making decisions about closing schools and businesses.
But even strong leadership cannot keep the pandemic and its consequences entirely at bay, a fact made clear again when the District announced a dramatic decrease in projected revenue for the coming years. The numbers, grim by any measure, merely confirm what we’ve known: The District’s economy and budget are facing an extended period of pain.
As we collectively struggle to cope with the dire economic ramifications of the coronavirus, the District must be careful not to balance the budget on the backs of schools and children, especially those most in need. Our elected leaders must provide significant funding to support students, especially students from low-income families and students of color, in the weeks, months and years ahead.
