First Lady visits schools to discuss COVID-19

First Lady Jill Biden visited schools in Des Moines, Iowa, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday to discuss in-person learning and COVID-19.

She first visited Marvin Pratt Elementary School in Milwaukee in the early afternoon, touting the learning opportunities created by the American Rescue Plan and the Biden administration’s new COVID-19 vaccine plan. 

“The American Rescue Plan increases access to broadband and tech devices, creates additional learning opportunities outside of the classroom, and provides more mental health support,” Biden said to the group of parents and educators. 

“My husband, Joe, is committed to being a partner to you. That’s why he released a bold plan last week to make sure all of our schools can stay safe and open — by helping to ensure that the adults and students who surround our children are vaccinated,” she added.

The visit to the elementary school comes as thousands of children around the country have had to quarantine during the first few weeks of school due to exposure to the virus. Children accounted for one in five coronavirus cases nationwide two weeks ago. 

Biden’s new plan includes vaccine mandates for school staff that interacts with students daily. 

The First Lady later arrived at Des Moines Area Community College, where she spoke about parents who had to give up their jobs to help their children get through virtual learning. 

“Whether you are a struggling single parent or a dual-income family, the cost of childcare can be crushing,” Biden said. “This is infrastructure.”

She added that investing in families was necessary if the U.S. hopes to recover from the pandemic.