Rep. Joe Ciresi Proposes Bill Establishing Grant To Help Schools Buy Protective Equipment

HARRISBURG — A state lawmaker is proposing legislation that would establish a grant program allowing schools to purchase personal protective equipment during the global pandemic.

Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146, announced his legislation on Tuesday, which is designed to help educational institutions in the face of continued COVID-19 positivity rates.

"There are over 3,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 right now and we've lost too many over the course of this pandemic," Ciresi said in a statement announcing his bill. "We've got to remain vigilant and do everything we can to make sure our schools are safe spaces for our children."

Ciresi said his legislation would help school districts provide high-quality face masks for their students and staff, as well as any other personal protective equipment or supplies schools may need to "hinder the transmission of the virus and create a safe environment for learning."

According to Ciresi's office, the bill is similar to Act 30 of 2020, which created grants for school districts to buy similar equipment and cleaning supplies. Ciresi said that that previous law has since expired and new legislation would need to be passed if both public and non-public schools would seek funding to purchase similar supplies during this current school year.