Solon Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Aid Schools During Coronavirus

COLUMBUS, OH — A group of Democratic state lawmakers introduced a legislative package to help public schools that are reeling due to the impacts of the new coronavirus, COVID-19. The package would put a moratorium on EdChoice voucher expansion, dissolve distress commissions and waive certain state testing requirements.

The legislative package was co-introduced by state Rep. Phil Robinson, who represents Solon and other Northeast Ohio cities. “The closure of our schools is already putting a great strain on our teachers and public schools as they do what they can to continue to support our children,” said Robinson.

Here's what the package would do:

• Waive certain primary and secondary education requirements (like state testing)
• Put a moratorium on the expansion of the Education Choice Scholarships (better known as the EdChoice vouchers). The moratorium would extend until Feb. 1, 2021 and would revert the EdChoice provision back to pre-HB 166 status
• Dissolve Academic Distress Commissions, like the ones in East Cleveland, Youngstown and Lorain.
• Provide districts "adequate assistance" to recover

“Whether it be remote, online learning for students with internet and computer access to organizing Grab and Go lunches for students in need, our public schools are doing everything they can to help families in these difficult times," Robinson said. "In return, we should not add to school districts’ financial hardships by letting the EdChoice voucher expansion happen during our current public health crisis.”

The Ohio House of Representatives is scheduled to meet Wednesday for the first time since Ohio's State of Emergency was declared.