AFT’s Weingarten on Biden COVID-19 Rescue Package

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement as President-elect Joe Biden released his comprehensive COVID-19 rescue package tonight:

“We are grateful that someone is finally acting like a real president. Joe Biden is meeting the moment—a moment of deep national crisis, a worsening virus, a weakening economy and a growing number of struggling Americans—with tangible actions for emergency relief. Our country is crying out for a leader prepared to truly fight COVID-19 and help us recover, and this package shows the Biden administration is ready to hit the ground running.

“We are also grateful for a congressional leadership that will work with Joe to overcome these crises, while simultaneously acting to defend our democracy. The AFT will join them to distribute the vaccine, scale testing, expand healthcare, maintain public services and safely reopen school buildings within the first 100 days. These actions will give families and communities the chance to thrive after so many months, and years, of pain—and we can’t wait to get started.”