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Can Trump do that? FAQ on CDC guidelines, federal funding for schools during coronavirus - USA TODAY
Jul 09, 2020 2 mins, 15 secs

President Trump called the CDC guidelines too tough and threatened to cut federal funding to schools that wouldn't reopen in the fall.

Donald Trump's push to reopen schools comes amid a nationwide debate over whether it's safe for children to return to the classroom amid coronavirus.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump put the nation's schools on notice via Twitter, saying he may cut their funding if they don't reopen their classrooms this fall.

While the CDC recommendations on in-school practices – such as wearing face masks, separating desks and staggering schedules for students – still hold, the debate led many to question whether the president has the power to cut federal school funding or influence the CDC.

Democrats included $58 billion in additional school funding in a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package that passed the House in May and must still be negotiated with the GOP-controlled Senate.

The federal government provides billions of dollars to schools through grants for low-income schools and special education programs. Washington also designated about $13 billion for schools in a previous coronavirus relief package.

However, the vast majority of funding for public schools across the country still comes from non-federal sources.

Department of Education, at the elementary and secondary school level, typically only 8% of funds come from the federal government – and that includes contributions not only from the Department of Education but also other federal agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture's School Lunch Program.

"Ultimately it's not a matter of 'if' schools should reopen, it's simply a matter of 'how,'" said Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

On June 7, the National Education Association's President Lily Eskelsen García called the president's plan to reopen schools in the fall "callous.".

National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen García on Tuesday slammed president Donald Trump's suggestion that schools should reopen this fall, calling it "callous." (July 7).

"We are asking people to stop taking medical advice from Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos. Really listen to the school nurse, listen to what the infectious disease experts are saying, and, by the way, listen to a school teacher.".

More: School reopening plans are now part of COVID-19 politics.

While the administration is pushing hard for schools to reopen, officials have also said implementation decisions have to be made on the local level

Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday the decision to reopen schools is up to state officials

But administration officials are concerned that, instead of using the guidelines to help them reopen, schools will employ them “as a rationale to keep schools closed.” Redfield wanted “to make it very clear” Wednesday that that should not happen

Despite Trump's distaste for the guidance, Redfield said Thursday on CNN the CDC will not revise its guidance for reopening schools

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