Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., has introduced legislation providing multiyear, million-dollar grants to school districts that stay open longer to accommodate parents' work schedules.
“My mother raised my sister and me while working demanding, long hours,” said Harris on Wednesday. “So, I know firsthand that, for many working parents, juggling between school schedules and work schedules is a common cause of stress and financial hardship.
“My bill provides an innovative solution that will help reduce the burden of child care on working families,” she said. “It is time we modernize the school schedule to better meet the needs of our students and their families.”
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The program would offer five-year, $5 million grants for schools to "develop high-quality, culturally relevant, linguistically accessible, developmentally appropriate academic, athletic or enrichment opportunities for students."
A Harris spokesperson told Fox News, "Our bill does not mandate how schools implement the program so long as they stay open until 6 p.m."
»MORE: Kamala Harris downsizing her presidential campaign
Harris has moved staff from several early voting states to Iowa as she tries to revive her sagging presidential campaign with a strong showing in the leadoff caucus state.
Harris has staked her campaign on Iowa, but she has struggled to gain a foothold in the crowded field. Her campaign is also reducing staff at its Baltimore headquarters and trimming pay to consultants. Staff will be transferred from New Hampshire, Nevada and California to Iowa.
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