Biden Admin Threatens to Take Back Arizona COVID Aid Over Anti-Mask Rules

The Biden administration is threatening to take back more than $170 million in COVID-19 aid from Arizona over anti-mask rules, reports The Washington Post.

The Treasury Department in a letter to Republican Gov. Doug Ducey’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting said the state has 60 days to either make changes to two federally subsidized state school programs or redirect the money toward “eligible uses.”

The funds are intended “to mitigate the fiscal effects stemming from the COVID-19 public health emergency, including by supporting efforts to stop the spread of the virus,” the Treasury Department noted in the letter.

But Arizona’s two school programs use the federal money to “impose conditions on participating in or accepting a service that undermine efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and discourage compliance with evidence-based solutions for stopping the spread of COVID-19.”

The $163 million Education Plus-Up Grant Program allows funds to be given only to schools that do not enforce mask requirements. The other program, totaling $10 million, provides grant money to help parents move their children out of schools that are deemed to be imposing “unnecessary closures and school mandates.”

That program “is available only to families if the student’s current or prior school requires the use of face coverings” during the school day, the Treasury’s letter said.

A spokesperson for the governor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But Ducey, in a statement in August announcing the spending, said, “Safety recommendations are welcomed and encouraged — mandates that place more stress on students and families aren’t.

“These grants acknowledge efforts by schools and educators that are following state laws and keeping their classroom doors open for Arizona’s students.”

RELATED ARTICLES

White House Does About-Face on Supporting Ban

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers are concerned about the threat that Chinese-controlled TikTok poses to national security. The White House has put...

Joe Biden Unveils Plan To Target Coal Mines After Saying He Wouldn’t

When one considers how frequently President Joe Biden's statements have had to be retracted, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and her...

US Military May Stop Being Woke After Facing Recruiting Issues

The Army, which is made up entirely of voluntary enlistees, claims that it is now dealing with the "most challenging labor market"...

First Major Trump 2024 Campaign Rally ANNOUNCED!!

Former President Donald Trump will hold the first rally of his 2024 campaign in Waco, Texas, later this month.

Ron DeSantis Goes to War With America’s Biggest TV Network

Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, is fighting everyone who he sees as getting in the way of his goals. The...

Mexican Cartel Issues Apology, Hands Over Members to Law Enforcement

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveled into Matamoros, Mexico, across the southern border. A car drew up next to...

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

LATEST POSTS ON UNCAGED BRIEF

Most Recent

Meteorologist Collapses On Live Tv In Frightening Moment

A Los Angeles-based meteorologist, Alissa Carlson Schwartz, collapsed during a live TV broadcast on Saturday morning. When she passed...

First Major Trump 2024 Campaign Rally ANNOUNCED!!

Former President Donald Trump will hold the first rally of his 2024 campaign in Waco, Texas, later this month.

US Military May Stop Being Woke After Facing Recruiting Issues

The Army, which is made up entirely of voluntary enlistees, claims that it is now dealing with the "most challenging labor market"...

Joe Biden Unveils Plan To Target Coal Mines After Saying He Wouldn’t

When one considers how frequently President Joe Biden's statements have had to be retracted, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and her...

Mexican Cartel Issues Apology, Hands Over Members to Law Enforcement

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveled into Matamoros, Mexico, across the southern border. A car drew up next to...

White House Does About-Face on Supporting Ban

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers are concerned about the threat that Chinese-controlled TikTok poses to national security. The White House has put...