Weekly Update: 3/16/20
Coronavirus
President Donald Trump released guidelines today instructing Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people for the next 15 days to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, saying the outbreak could last into July or August….
The White House aims to deploy at least $800 billion in aid in the coming weeks to prop up the U.S. economy, as retailers, restaurants, sporting events and other businesses shut down and Americans slow their spending while staying home to guard against the coronavirus pandemic….
A House-passed $8.3 billion House coronavirus package negotiated between Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is now close to being finalized for Senate action later this after canceling its recess….
Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities….
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released tips for social distancing, quarantine, and isolation during an infectious disease outbreak including typical reactions to stressful situations and practical ways to cope and relax….
In a hearing on Thursday, 3/12, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) showed federal health officials what it costs to get tested for coronavirus if you don't have insurance, and showed CDC Director Robert Redfield that he has the authority to make those tests free….
While a commercial coronavirus vaccine is likely more than a year away, the first human trial, which started today, 3/16, in the Seattle area, is advancing at an unheard of pace for medical research…
Sen. Mitt Romney(R-UT) today, 3/16, proposed sending out a $1,000 check to every American adult to help deal with the increasingly painful economic fallout of the coronavirus….
President and Administration
U.S. Census Bureau officials said on Sunday, 3/15, that they were taking new steps to make sure that college students displaced from their dorms or off-campus housing because of the coronavirus would be counted as living at school, an important consideration for federal benefits for the regions around campuses….
The Supreme Court is postponing its next round of oral arguments, scheduled to begin today, 3/16, due to concerns over the coronavirus….
On Tuesday, 3/10, the Department of Labor issued a final rule under the authority of the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA) establishing a process for the DOL's Office of Apprenticeship (OA) Administrator (Administrator), or any person designated by the Administrator, to recognize qualified third-party entities, known as Standards Recognition Entities (SREs), which will, in turn, evaluate and recognize Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).
Education
The Department of Education issued new resources that will assist education leaders in protecting student privacy and ensuring students with disabilities continue to receive services required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the event of school closures due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak….
The College Board announced today, 3/16, that it was canceling the SAT scheduled for May 2 and was exploring options to have students take AP exams at home "depending on the situation in May." The organization said that it is working to "provide future additional SAT testing opportunities for students as soon as feasible in place of canceled administrations."
Congress
The Senate canceled its planned recess for this week as Congress aims to pass a coronavirus response plan….
House Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA)today, 3/16, introduced a companion bill to legislation sponsored in the Senate by Sen….
2020 Candidates
Former Vice President Joe Biden announced Sunday, 3/15, that he supports making public colleges and universities free for some students, shifting his higher education policy as he seeks to court progressives and young voters….