Governor discusses American Rescue Plan and new statewide programs

Posted on April 5, 2021
Gov. JB Pritzker visited an early childhood facility Monday afternoon in Champaign. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Dave Dahl

CHAMPAIGN – Children are only children once – and Gov Pritzker today (Monday) brought a message of optimism to Champaign.

Pritzker says teachers and parents wonder if the current school year is a lost one for Illinois children.

“We worry if a year’s worth of online classes and virtual playdates will impact their future in some negative way in the future,” the governor said. “Thanks in part to the American Rescue Plan, we have an unparalleled opportunity to revitalize learning and teaching for students and educators; an opportunity to address learning loss and make the years ahead so much better.”

Money from the American Rescue Plan will fund, among other things, tutoring programs and expanded early childhood education.

State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), joining the governor at an early childhood facility Monday afternoon, said he is grateful the federal funds can help remedy learning loss for 2020-21.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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