Teachers Union Calls for $116 Billion to Reopen Schools Safely

Public schools already facing losses of billions in state support because of the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic need additional federal aid to reopen schools safely, the nation’s second largest teachers union said Wednesday.

The American Federation of Teachers says $116.5 billion in additional federal help is needed to pay for reopening K-12 schools safely in the fall.

“Since late April we have been exploring ways to safely reopen school buildings in the fall. Our children need it, and our families deserve it,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a written statement. “Our educators want it, and the economy ...