Following its posting of the assurances required by each local educational agency (LEA) before receiving Learning Loss Mitigation funds pursuant to Senate Bill 98 (Chapter 24/2020), the California Department of Education (CDE) has posted the entitlements and the Local Control Funding Formula source data for each LEA.
We anticipate that most of the Learning Loss Mitigation funds will be allocated by September 1, 2020—particularly in light of the December 30, 2020, deadline to use much of the funds for coronavirus-related expenses, barring an extension granted by Congress. That said, federal lawmakers are in the throes of a heated debate about a new relief package. The Senate GOP has released its proposal, which includes $105 billion for schools, focusing primarily on supporting schools that re-open in the fall. While the Senate Republican package does not appear to include any new money for state and local government support, we understand that it includes some flexibility for them to use the funds provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which could include extending the deadline for the use of the funds.
Congress is scheduled to adjourn for the fall on August 10, 2020—an ambitious timeline to negotiate a final deal between the Senate, the House of Representatives, and President Donald Trump. However, it appears that all parties believe that a new federal package is necessary to keep propping up the national economy and the millions of Americans affected by COVID-19. We will keep you apprised of any new developments.