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Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Releases Statement on the Texas Education Agency’s Decision to Deny School Districts Access to Federal Funding Under the CARES Act

June 15, 2020

Media Contact: Robert Julien (DC): Email: Robert.julien@mail.house.gov; Cell: 202-227-0330

HOUSTON, TXToday, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) released a statement expressing her strong opposition to the news that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) plans to keep federal dollars, appropriated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, from being distributed directly to local educational agencies (LEAs).

"When I voted for the CARES Act, I voted on behalf of the public schools and the students in my district and across Texas, hoping they would directly receive important federal dollars needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic," stated Congresswoman Garcia.

"Unfortunately, the TEA has decided to use these federal funds to offset state losses, instead of directly distributing these dollars to LEAs. This is extremely disappointing and will negatively affect our hard-working students and teachers who adjusted to distance learning at the onset of this pandemic."

Congresswoman Garcia added that "Now, school districts that were counting on these federal dollars are once again left wondering how to best provide Texas students with quality education, while they also recover from COVID-19 related changes. This is absolutely unacceptable. I want to assure my constituents that I will work with my colleagues in the Texas Congressional delegation to urge TEA to reverse this misguided decision."

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.