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Opinion

Stanton: Ducey’s 'irresponsible' order puts AZ's children in danger

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U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D–Dist. 9) issued this letter on Tuesday to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in response to a statement from Gov. Doug Ducey, in which the governor said schools that require face masks will be denied funding provided by the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress.

Dear Secretary Yellen:

Just hours ago, Gov. Doug Ducey declared that he intends to use American Rescue Plan funds to carry out a science-denying mission and put Arizona children in greater danger by punitively denying resources to schools that follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and require students, staff and visitors to wear masks.

This deeply irresponsible plan appears to violate the plain language of the law as written by Congress as well as the guidance issued by the Department of the Treasury. These funds are not intended to be used for policies that undercut scientific research to pursue purely partisan ideological priorities.

Gov. Ducey has mismanaged the pandemic in Arizona from the beginning — and children have paid the price. As of the end of last month, Arizona suffered the second most child deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States. In July, the number of children hospitalized for COVID in my state doubled.

Mismanagement has now turned into malfeasance that risks the health and lives of our children. The pandemic has already taken an extraordinary toll on students, parents and teachers. After more than a year of virtual or hybrid learning, it’s time to get children back in the classroom — safely.

With those under the age of 12 not yet able to receive a vaccine, the governor’s gambit would put more children in danger.

I urge the Treasury to make clear to the governor that if he follows through with this reckless proposal, he risks losing these funds for Arizona.

These resources should — and must — be made available to all Arizona schools. I look forward to your prompt response and appreciate your attention to this important matter.

Editor's note: Democrat Greg Stanton is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Arizona Congressional District 9.