Funding set to help schools, daycare centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The city of Ritzville is projected to receive an estimated $360,000 as part of $2.66 billion set aside for Washington counties and municipalities in American Rescue Plan funding, Senator Patty Murray's office announced last week.

Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, announced more than $2.6 billion in investments in K-12 and higher education in Washington state from the American Rescue Plan, as well as more than $635 million in relief to support quality, affordable child care in the state.

"I want to get our kids back to the classroom safely and as quickly as possible," Murray said. "The American Rescue Plan will help get this done by making sure schools can secure adequate PPE, reduce class sizes to increase social distancing, improve ventilation, address learning loss, and more."

Murray said the American Rescue Plan also marks a historic shift in how our country approaches child care.

"As more than 700 child care providers in Washington state have closed because of the pandemic, this legislation will save hundreds of thousands of providers who serve millions of children from closure — and help almost one million families across the country afford quality child care."

Adams County is projected to receive an estimated $3,880,000.

Lind is projected to receive an estimated $120,000. Other projections include Washtucna $50,000, Kahlotus $40,000, Sprague $100,000, St. John $120,000, and LaCrosse $70,000.