WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) sent letters to Congressional Leadership and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey advocating for parents to have the option to send their children to school for in-person instruction this fall.

“I am a strong proponent of parental choice and I am doing my part to advocate for in-person education options this fall,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “Across America, parents are facing the burden of instructing children at home and students are falling behind each day they are not in the classroom. If parents wish to send their children to school in-person this fall, they should be given the option to do so. Alternatively, if parents wish to continue online instruction, they should also be given that option.”

Lesko sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), calling for a requirement that schools provide an in-person option in order to receive any federal funding from the Phase IV COVID-19 Relief Package. Lesko was joined by Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Andy Harris (MD-01), Steve King (IA-04), and Scott Perry (PA-10) in sending the letter.

“Many physicians, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have noted that school-aged children are not playing a large role in the spread of the virus,” continued Lesko. “It is safe for children to return to school in-person and schools must provide parents with that option, in addition to virtual learning opportunities.”

Lesko also sent a letter to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey requesting that he not delay an in-person education option beyond the current school opening date of August 17, 2020.