Congress Asks Cardona for Late Liquidation Guidance

This week, members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary Cardona urging the Department to issue guidance on how school districts can utilize late liquidation flexibility under the American Rescue Plan to ensure construction and HVAC projects, mental health supports, and learning recovery and tutoring programs can continue to be funded through December 2026.

The Department has been reluctant to give any indication they are open to a process that will allow districts to know in a timely manner whether pandemic-related contracts can be extended, which has significantly delayed districts’ ability to obligate funds for significant construction projects and facility upgrades. While AASA did not specifically ask for this letter led by Rep. Kuster (D-NH),  we appreciate her and her colleagues’ willingness to send the request for expedited guidance to Cardona especially since Democratic leadership has been urging members of Congress to stay off the letter.