BROOKSVILLE, FL -- April 12, 2021    In a letter issued by the US Department of Education in February, states were advised that they would have flexibility in determining how to apply the results of this year's standardized tests. Since then, districts have been awaiting clarification from Tallahassee regarding what--if any--accountability components might be waived. That clarification arrived late last week when the Commissioner of Education for the state of Florida issued an Emergency Order waiving accountability standards tied to standardized tests.  Read the order here:

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HEADLINES:

Lobbyists Fight Democratic  Proposals on Drug Pricing, Vaccine Access;

American Rescue Plan Can Expand Medicaid in States That Have Refused Funds;

Biden Administration Announces 500,000 New HealthCare.gov Sign-Ups;

KHN: 'I Can Breathe Again': Older Adults Begin to Test Freedom After Covid Vaccinations;

Alliance Members Meet with Members of Congress during Congressional Recess

One year after schools were forced to close for in-person instruction because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, teachers are back in the buildings doing what they do best, supporting public education and teaching and supporting our students.  Teachers are wearing red to support public education, as front line workers teaching a hybrid schedule and only seeing a small percentage of their students.  Despite the adversity, the Westbury Teachers Association has taken it all in stride!

IMPORTANT: Preventive health requirements for the Health Enhancement Program (HEP) have been reinstated for 2021. Requirements had been suspended at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to relieve overall stress on the health care system. As doctors offices and health care facilities have re-opened with safety protocols and protections in place, it is critical that the life-saving preventive health measures of HEP continue as well.

VOTE-COPE

HEADLINES:

Millions of Social Security Beneficiaries Still  Waiting on $1,400 Covid-19 Relief Payments;

Biden Unveils $2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan, Including Vast Expansion of Long Term Care;

Infrastructure Plan Could Also Include Medicare Expansion;

KHN: 'Incredibly Concerning' Lawsuit Threatens Free Preventative Care for Millions