Congress Passes COVID-19 Relief, Year-End Spending Deal

Congress passed a bill Monday night that includes both $900 billion in COVID-19 relief and a $1.4 trillion year-end spending agreement needed to prevent a government shut-down. The full 5,593 bill can be viewed here. 

The bill now goes to President Trump for his signature. 

Highlights from the bill include:

COVID Relief Bill 

Economic Assistance

Rebates for Americans:  Provides a refundable tax credit in the amount of $600 per eligible family member. The credit is $600 per taxpayer ($1,200 for married filing jointly), in addition to $600 per qualifying child. The credit phases out starting at $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income. 

Eviction Moratorium. Extends the CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.

Broadband

Grants for Broadband Connectivity. Establishes two grant programs at the NTIA. The first is a $1 billion grant program to support broadband connectivity on tribal lands throughout the country. The grants would be directed to tribal governments to be used not only for broadband deployment on tribal lands, but also telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion. The second is a $300 million broadband deployment program to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas. The grants would be issued to qualifying partnerships between state and local governments and fixed broadband providers. Priority for grants would be given to networks that would reach the most unserved consumers.

FCC Data Mapping: Provides $65 million to the FCC to create broadband data maps required under the Broadband DATA Act. 

Benefit for Broadband Service During Emergency Period Relating to COVID-19. Establishes a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program at the FCC, under which eligible households may receive a discount of up to $50, or up to $75 on Tribal lands, off the cost of internet service and a subsidy for low-cost devices such as computers and tablets. Internet service providers that provide the discounted service or devices to customers can receive a reimbursement from the FCC for such costs. Households that qualify for the benefit include those with: children that qualify for the free and reduced lunch program, Pell grant recipients, recently laid off or furloughed workers, an individual who qualifies for the Lifeline program, or an individual who qualifies for a low-income or COVID-19 discount program offered by internet service providers.

Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand (ACCESS BROADBAND) Act. Establishes the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (Office) at the NTIA. This Office would be tasked with performing certain responsibilities related to broadband access, adoption, and deployment, such as performing public outreach to promote access and adoption of high-speed broadband service, and streamlining and standardizing the process for applying for Federal broadband support. The Office would also track Federal broadband support funds, and coordinate Federal broadband support programs within the Executive Branch and with the FCC to ensure unserved Americans have access to connectivity and to prevent duplication of broadband deployment programs

Secure and Trusted Communications Network Reimbursement Program. Appropriates $1.9 billion for the FCC’s Secure and Trusted Reimbursement Program. Expands eligibility for the Secure and Trusted Reimbursement Program at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that compensates providers for the cost of removing and replacing certain unsecure equipment from their networks. It also ensures that smaller providers and public or private educational institutions are prioritized for such reimbursements.

Connecting Minority Communities. Establishes an Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to focus on broadband access and adoption at Historically Black colleges or universities, Tribal colleges and universities, and other Minority-serving institutions, including the students, faculty, and staff of such institutions and their surrounding communities.

Education 

Education Stabilization Fund: $82 billion Education Stabilization Fund to provide flexible funding to support the educational needs of States, school districts, and institutions of higher education and the students they serve in response to coronavirus.

Emergency Relief Fund: $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which provides formula funding to States and school districts to help them respond to coronavirus.

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief: $4.1 billion for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, including $2.75 billion for non-public schools. 

Educator Expense Deduction:  Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guidance or regulations providing that personal protective equipment and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 are treated as eligible expenses for purposes of the educator expense deduction. Such regulations or guidance shall be retroactive to March 12, 2020. 

Appropriations Bill

Broadband

Rural Broadband: Invests more than $730 million in the expansion of broadband service to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services. 

FCC:  $33 million is provided for the FCC to improve its broadband maps as required by the Broadband DATA Act.

Education 

Student Support and Academic Enrichment State Grants:Provides $1.2 billion for Student Support and Academic Enrichment State Grants, an increase of $10 million above the 2020 enacted level. 

Education Innovation and Research: Provides $67 million within the Education Innovation and Research program, an increase of $2 million above the 2020 enacted level, for grants to expand opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), including computer science.

Public Broadcasting: Provides $475 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), in 2023 advance funding, an increase of $10 million above the 2020 enacted level. In addition, the bill includes $20 million for the interconnection system and system wide infrastructure, the same as the 2020 enacted level. 

Institute of Museum and Library Services: $257 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an increase of $5 million above the 2020 enacted level.

State Superintendent Candidate Forum January 7

The Wisconsin Public Education Network and the League of Women Voters are holding a State Superintendent Candidate Forum on January 7 at 7 p.m. This is a great opportunity to hear from the crowded field of candidates vying to replace State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor--who is not running for re-election-- before the February 16, 2021 primary. Register to attend here and submit a potential question about WEMTA's priority issues here. 

There are currently seven candidates registered with the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC). In order to officially get on the ballot, each candidate needs to submit at least 2,000 valid signatures to the WEC by January 5, 2021. 

The candidates trying to get on the primary ballot are: Sheila Briggs, an assistant state superintendent for the Department of Public Instruction; Joe Fenrick, a Fond du Lac Teacher; Troy Gunderson, who recently retired as superintendent of the West Salem School District; Shandowlyon Hendricks-Williams, Director of Governor Tony Evers’ Milwaukee Office and Education Administrative Director of DPI’s Teacher Education, Professional Development and Licensing (TEPDL) team; Deborah Kerr, former superintendent in the Milwaukee suburb of Brown Deer; Steve Krull, a principal at Milwaukee's Garland Elementary School; and Jill Underly, superintendent of the rural Pecatonica Area School District.

The top two vote-getters from the February 16 primary will advance to the general election on April 6.  

Sign Up NOW for Gov. Evers' Education Listening Session on Dec. 16

Governor Evers is holding a virtual education budget listening session on December 16 at 6 p.m. to hear from Wisconsinites about the issues that are important to them. He will use this input to develop his next state budget.

It is critical that WEMTA members attend this education listening session to discuss the importance of school library and instructional media professionals as well as the need for increased investments in educational technology.   

You must register in advance to attend using the link:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckcuyspjooG9N5EjovVQowZnIlG-5WN8bO

These listening sessions are a great opportunity for you to speak directly to key members of the Governor's policy staff in Zoom breakout rooms. WEMTA has created a fact sheet that outlines our budget priorities and includes tips on how to have a successful listening session. Click here to see the fact sheet. 

This is a great opportunity to:

• Provide real-life examples from the past several months that showcase the importance  of school library and instructional media professionals and the need for state investments in educational technology.  

• Highlight the fact that there is  currently not a single state funding source that is dedicated for educational technology  professional development activities.

• Showcase how lack of broadband access in Wisconsin is widening the homework gap.

Budget Listening Session on Our Schools and Education

Wednesday, December 16 at 6 p.m

Register to attend here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckcuyspjooG9N5EjovVQowZnIlG-5WN8bO

Two Opportunities to Comment on Proposed DPI Rule Changes

There are two opportunities to comment on rule changes being proposed to DPI that impact ESSA grant funds and virtual summer school funding. 

DPI Request for Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program Flexibility 

DPI has drafted a waiver request application that they plan to submit to the federal government seeking flexibility related to the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program (ESSA Title IV Part A of ESSA) due to COVID-19 disruptions. Written comments on the proposed waiver can be submitted until December 11, 2020 at 12 p.m. using the following link: https://forms.gle/hECwSotMAmh4GgA6A.

The waiver would grant the following flexibilities:

• Local Education Agencies (LEAs) receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would not be required to demonstrate that a needs assessment was completed for the 2020-21 school year.  Districts are currently required to do the assessments to identify areas of improvement related to well-rounded education; conditions to create a safe and healthy environment; and access to personalized learning experiences supported by technology and professional development for the effective use of data and technology.
  

• LEAs receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would not be required to allocate specific amounts of their 2020-21 Title IV, Part A grant funds toward well-rounded education, supporting safe and healthy students and effective use of technology.
  

• LEAs receiving more than $30,000 under Title IV, Part A would have the ability to allocate more than 15% of the available Title IV, Part A funds in the 2020-21 application (2020-21 allocation and 2019-20 carryover) for technology infrastructure.
  

Expanding Virtual Summer and Interim Classes 

DPI is holding a public hearing on December 11 at 10 a.m. on their proposed administrative rule update expanding the options for school districts to receive state aid for providing virtual instruction. Specifically, the proposed rule will amend ch. PI 17 to include online virtual instruction taught to any grade level during summer classes or laboratory periods that are necessary for academic purposes.

Date and Time: Friday, December 11, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Location: Phone Number +1 608-620-9781 Conference ID: 123 710 357#

 

Governor Evers Releases COVID-19 Bill

Governor Evers released a draft COVID-19 relief bill on Tuesday, November 17. It would provide approximately $541 million in state funding to address the pandemic.  This bill faces resistance in the Legislature, where Assembly Speaker Vos has said the bill spends too much state money and newly elected members of the Senate Republican leadership team have questioned the need for state funding. 

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) held a press conference after the Governor introduced his bill, during which he outlined a list of policy initiatives supported by Assembly Republicans. The list includes: building a  robust testing system, doubling the number of contact tracers, assisting the health care industry, vaccine distribution, unemployment insurance reform and addressing small business liability.

Newly elected Senate President Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) told reporters on Tuesday that he doesn’t support increased funding for contact tracing and hasn’t seen many proposals that he supports.  He also stated that he believes Governor Evers is “fear mongering” when it comes to COVID-19.

Highlights of Governor Evers’ bill include: 

Education 

Educator Effectiveness Evaluations: Prohibits schools boards from considering student performance on statewide assessments as part of educator effectiveness evaluations. 

WRS Benefits for Rehired Teachers: Allows a Wisconsin Retirement System beneficiary to return to a WRS-covered position without suspending their WRS annuity if: they are hired for a “critical position” through December 31, 2021; they did not have an agreement to return to work in place before their retirement and at least 15 days have passed;  and they do not elect to become a WRS participating employee again when they are re-hired. The definition of “critical positions” will be determined by state agencies and local governments based on guidance by the Department of Health Services Secretary. 

Student Assessments: The various pupil assessments required by state law (Forward Exam, ACT, third grade reading test, reading readiness assessment, etc.)  do not to be taken during the 2020-21 school year. 

School and School District Accountability Reports: Prohibits the Department of Public Instruction from publishing a school and school district accountability report for the 2021-22 school year.

Labor Law 

Worker’s Compensation: For the purposes of worker’s compensation, assumes that an injury caused by COVID-19 to a “critical worker” is the result of their employment. This provision would remain in effect until December 31, 2021. The presumption requires a diagnosis of COVID-19 by a physician or positive test result, and may be rebutted by specific evidence that the injury was caused outside of employment. Under the bill,  the DHS Secretary determines which workers are considered critical workers.

Health and Insurance 

Funding for Public Health Efforts: Provides $63 million to support contact tracing, community testing, vaccinations and public awareness related to COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Testing and Surge Capacity: Provides $403 million for testing and surge capacity. The bill specifically directs the Department of Administration to facilitate COVID-19 testing throughout the state, operate alternate care facilities and facilitate surge staffing resources for health care facilities. 

Coverage of COVID-19 Costs Without Cost-Sharing: Requires health plans to provide coverage of testing for, diagnosis and treatment of, and administration of any vaccination developed to prevent COVID-19 without imposing any copayment or coinsurance. This requirement would be in place until December 31, 2021.

Governor Evers Holding Education Budget Listening Session on December 16

 

Governor Evers is holding a virtual listening session on education on December 16 at 6 p.m. He will use the input gathered during this listening session to craft his next state budget bill. Participants will hear directly from the Governor and then be places in smaller breakout rooms to discuss their concerns with key members of the Governor's staff. 

It is critical that members of WEMTA sign up to attend this listening session to discuss the need for educational technology professional development, one-to-one devices and broadband. 

You must register to attend the session in advance. Registration opens one-week before the event. The registration link will be made available on the Governor's website. 

All the Information You Need to Vote and Races to Watch

Previewing the November 2020 Election

The General Election is November 3, 2020. Wisconsin voters will get to cast their ballots for U.S. President, Congress, State Senators from even-numbered districts, State Assembly and school referendums. 

Important Voting Information 

What's On Your Ballot: You can preview your ballot prior to voting at myvote.wi.gov. 

Deadline to Register to Vote: You can register to vote at the polls on Election Day. If you wish to register to vote prior to Election Day, you can do so online until October 14 or at your clerk's office until October 30. You need to submit a proof of residence document when registering to vote.

Proof of Residence: You only need a proof of residence if you are registering to vote. Lots of documents qualify as proof of residence. The document must contain your current address. The most common ones are driver's license, state ID card, utility bill that is no more than 90 days old, bank or credit card statements, paycheck or paystub, current lease and more! Learn more here. 

Photo ID Requirement: All Wisconsin voters need to meet the state's photo ID requirement whether the vote absentee or at the polls on Election Day. There are limited exceptions for voters who are indefinitely confined or who have a sincerely held religious belief the prevents them from being photographed. Your photo ID does not need to have your current address. You can view a list of acceptable photo IDs here or here. 

Deadline to Request a Mail-in Absentee Ballot: Your Request must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 29. However, due to the high demand for absentee ballots, it is recommended that you request one as soon as possible. Request an absentee ballot here.

Deadline to Return Your Absentee Ballot: Current law requires your absentee ballot to be received by the municipal clerk no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. There is currently a lawsuit pending related to extending this deadline. Due to the ongoing nature of this lawsuit, it is strongly encouraged that you return your ballot based on the current law deadline. 

Track Your Absentee Ballot: You can track your ballot to ensure that it is received by your local clerk at myvote.wi.gov.

Early In-Person Voting: You can vote in-person absentee at your local clerk's office (early voting). This varies by municipality, but generally you can vote early starting October 20 and ending November 1. You will need to bring a Photo ID with you to vote early. Contact your clerk to learn more. 

Find Your Polling Place: Find your polling place here. 

Voting at the Polls on Election Day: You can vote at the polls on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Due to COVID-19, your polling place may have changed! Double-check before heading to the polls. 

When in Doubt, Contact Your Municipal Clerk: The best source of information is your municipal clerk. Find your clerk here. 

 

Races to Watch

On the federal level, President Donald Trump is looking to win re-election and control of Congress is at stake. On the state level, control of the Legislature is on the ballot. Republicans currently have an 18-13 majority in the State Senate and a 63-34 majority in the State Assembly.  If Republicans pick up three Senate seats and three Assembly seats, they will have veto-proof majorities in both houses.

 

Congress

 

Wisconsin’s eight Congressional seats are up for election. Every race will be decided by the General Election.

 

• Congressional District 5: This seat is open for the first time in 42 years due to the  retirement of Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R). State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) is running against Tom Palzewicz (D-Brookfield).

• Congressional District 7: This race is a repeat of this summer’s special election to fill Congressman Sean Duffy’s (R) seat. Congressman Tom Tiffany (R-Minoqua), who won the special election with 58% of the vote, will once again take on Tricia Zunker (D-Wausau).

 

State Senate

 

Even-numbered State Senate seats are up for election. Five seats are uncontested and 11 races will be decided by the General Election.

• Senate District 10: Senate Republicans are hoping to win back Senate District 10 by defeating Senator Patty Schachtner (D-Somerset) who flipped the seat to Democratic control by winning a special election in January 2018. Schactner is being challenged by State Representative Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond).

•  Senate District 24: State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) flipped this seat to Republican control in November 2016 after defeating Democratic incumbent Julie Lassa. Testin is being challenged by Paul Piotrowski (D-Stevens Point).

• Senate District 30: State Senate Republicans are targeting the vacant seat in Senate District 30, which was left open by the retirement of Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay). Hansen won re-election in November 2016 with just 51% of the vote. Jonathon Hansen (D-De Pere), nephew of Dave Hansen, is running against Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay).

• Senate District 32: State Senate Republicans are also targeting the vacant seat in Senate District 32, which was left open by the retirement of Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). Dan Kapanke (R- La Crosse), who previously held the seat until losing the 2011 recall election to Shilling, is running against former Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), whose confirmation was rejected by the State Senate earlier this year. Kapanke ran against Shilling in November 2016 and only lost by 61 votes.

 

State Assembly

 

All 99 State Assembly seats are up for election. Eighteen seats are uncontested, and 81 seats will be determined by the General Election. 

• Assembly District 13: Incumbent State Representative Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) won re-election in November 2018 with just over 51% of the vote. Hutton faces Sara Rodriguez (D-Brookfield) on November 3.

• Assembly District 14: Assembly Republicans are heavily targeting this seat after State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) flipped the seat to Democratic control in November 2018 by just 138 votes. Vining faces Bonnie Lee (R-Wauwatosa) on November 3.

• Assembly District 23: Incumbent State Representative Jim Ott (R-Mequon) won re-election in November 2018 with just under 52% of the vote. Ott faces Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay) on November 3.

• Assembly District 51: Incumbent Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) won re-election by 723 votes in November 2016 and by 332 votes in November 2018. Novak faces Kriss Marion (D- Blanchardville) on November 3.

• Assembly District 74: Assembly Republicans have identified this seat as a possible flip after a majority of the voters in the district voted for President Trump in 2016. Incumbent State Representative Beth Meyers (D-Bayfield) was uncontested in 2016. She is being challenged by James Bolen (R-Cable) on November 3.

• Assembly District 92: State Representative Treig Pronschinske (R-Mondovi) won this seat in November 2016 after defeating incumbent Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) with 52% of the vote. However, Pronschinske easily won re-election with 55% of the vote in November 2018. He is being challenged by Amanda WhiteEagle (D-Black River Falls) on November 3.

•  Assembly District 94: Assembly Republicans have identified this seat as a possible flip after a majority of the voters in the district voted for President Trump in 2016. Incumbent State Representative Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska) won re-election with nearly 53% of the vote in 2016. He is being challenged by Kevin Hoyer (R-West Salem) on November 3.

State Superintendent Stanford Taylor Highlights Virtual Learning, Literacy in State of Education Address

State Superintendent Stanford Taylor delivered her annual State of Education address Thursday. She highlighted the efforts of educators across the state to provide instruction to students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She spent considerable time discussing virtual education and technology, noting that an estimated 15% of Wisconsin households, representing approximately 125,000 Wisconsin children, lacked internet access in 2019. 

"The response of our education community was swift," said Stanford Taylor. "School buses were redeployed as mobile hotspots. School staff delivered Chromebooks or mobile hotspots to children’s homes. DPI partnered with the Public Service Commission to identify public Wi-Fi locations so students and families could continue learning."

Stanford Taylor said that DPI worked with schools and libraries to keep Wi-Fi available even though buildings were closed, allowing students to access the internet from parking lots. In addition, she highlighted the work of PBS Wisconsin to provide instructional materials through broadcast or streaming means as well as the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access. 

Stanford Taylor said that federal CARES Act funding is being used for professional development efforts related to online or virtual instruction. 

She also highlighted the importance of literacy for Wisconsin students. 

"Now, more than ever, it is critical for citizens - even our youngest citizens - to be able to use literacy to acquire information about our world and communicate the ways they want to see their communities change," said Stanford Taylor. "The simple way we can do this is to work with our libraries - school and public libraries - to ensure children experience texts that reflect their identities and teach them about other identities."

She concluded her speech by previewing her 2021-23 state budget request, which she said will include increased funding for special education and school-based mental health services, and by calling on education stakeholders to work together to address inequities. 

You can watch her full remarks here. 

Ask Your Congressional Representative and Two U.S. Senators to Support Dedicated Ed Tech PD Funds

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are currently negotiating a new COVID-19 relief bill. 

ISTE, which WEMTA is an affiliate organization of, is asking everyone to contact their Congressional Representative and two U.S. Senators to ask that the next COVID-19 relief bill include $2.13 billion in dedicated educational technology professional development funds.  

Please contact your federal lawmakers as soon as possible in support of this request!  It is critical that they hear from you about the need for educational technology professional development funding. The most important thing you can do is share your personal stories and examples!

ISTE has prepared an automated email that you can send: https://www.iste.org/advocacy?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f75085%2frespond. However, we encourage you to call or email your lawmakers personally to share your stories in your own words. 

How to Contact Your Congressional Representative and U.S. Senators

Sen. Tammy Baldwin: (202) 224-5653 or complete online feedback form.

Sen. Ron Johnson: (202) 224-5323 or complete online feedback form. 

 

Find your Congressional Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative