August 25, 2020
In preparation for the upcoming session on September 2nd, the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Education Working Group met this morning to hear legislative requests and updates from the state’s education leaders at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities, N.C. Community College System, and UNC System.
The committee first received an update from legislative staff on expenses and remaining funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The state received more than $3.5 billion in funding from the federal government, and has appropriated a little over $3 billion of those funds. Depending on guidance from the federal government, the legislature could have between $500 million and $900 million left to appropriate. The committee then received an update from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction on legislative requests in response to challenges brought on by COVID-19. Short-term priorities include PPE supplies, transportation, broadband needs, and child nutrition support.
Next, the committee heard from the state’s higher education systems. The N.C. Community College System gave an overview of the allocation of federal funds, ongoing and upcoming challenges, and short-term and future needs. The UNC System then gave an update on preparations for the fall semester, key challenges moving forward, and the need for flexible funding to support evolving conditions.
Finally, the committee heard from the N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). Dr. Hope Williams, President of NCICU, thanked the legislature for their support this spring, which included flexibilities for student internships and assessments, funding for students and families affected by COVID-19, funding for the transition to remote education, legal protection for businesses and nonprofits, and protection from lawsuits for tuition and fees. For the upcoming legislative session, NCICU is requesting a total of $51 million for its partner institutions. The request includes $20 million in additional financial aid, $15 million for PPE and cleaning supplies, $12 million for testing students, faculty and staff, and $4 million for institutional support.