[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE TEACHER VICTIMS' FAMILY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2019

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Teacher 
Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2019. It is well known that this 
country faces a gun violence epidemic. In fact, in the 2018 school year 
alone, there were 24 school shooting incidents. This is the highest 
annual number of school shootings in recent history, averaging out to 
one school shooting incident every seven and a half school days. The 
pain and heartache that result from this tragic and needless loss of 
life sends shockwaves through our communities, but especially through 
the families left behind. Today, our teachers must contend with not 
only the awesome responsibility of preparing our children for bright 
and meaningful futures, but also with protecting them from the very 
real threat of active shooters and others wishing to harm our children 
and grandchildren. Too often, the teachers themselves are casualties in 
this epidemic, leaving the families of the slain teachers, many with 
small children, unprepared financially.
  The Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2019 directs the 
Secretary of Education to provide assistance to the immediate family 
members of K-12 teachers who are killed during their performance of 
duties at a public or private school. This bill provides victims' 
families with funeral assistance; a death benefit payment to the 
surviving spouse, dependent child, or other next of kin; monthly living 
assistance for the surviving spouse; and undergraduate education 
assistance for each dependent child.
  In time, it is my sincere hope that the need for the crucial 
assistance provided by this measure will not be necessary as fewer and 
fewer families are forced to cope with the sudden, tragic loss of a 
loved one at school. However, until that time, we must do all we can 
for our dedicated and hardworking teachers and their families, and that 
is exactly the spirit with which this legislation is put forward.
  Madam Speaker, I urge this body to expeditiously pass this measure. 
Doing so will reaffirm America's solidarity, gratitude, and support for 
our nation's dedicated educators, who work tirelessly on behalf of our 
children.

                          ____________________