Bill Overview
Title: Unmask Our Kids Act
Description: This bill prohibits a local educational agency (LEA) from receiving federal funds unless (1) in-person instruction is available to all students at each public elementary and secondary school under the jurisdiction of the LEA, and (2) a parent of a student at any school may opt out of a student face covering requirement.
Sponsors: Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-1]
Target Audience
Population: Students, parents, and staff at public elementary and secondary schools
Estimated Size: 53000000
- The bill targets local educational agencies, which means it will directly affect public schools.
- The provision that parents can opt out their children from face-covering requirements will affect students who are currently required to wear masks in schools.
- There are approximately 50 million students in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States.
- The bill will impact not only the students but also their parents, who will have the freedom to opt out.
- School staff and teachers may also be indirectly affected by changes in mask policies.
Reasoning
- The policy targets students, parents, teachers, and administrators in public schools, affecting millions of people across the United States.
- Budget constraints mean the policy's effectiveness is limited by the amount allocated for enforcement and support.
- Wellbeing may be affected positively or negatively depending on individuals' perspectives and circumstances related to mask mandates.
- Parents will have more choice regarding their children's mask usage, which may lead to improved wellbeing for those opposed to mandates.
- Teachers and staff may experience mixed impacts based on health concerns or relief from enforcement responsibilities.
Simulated Interviews
Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 16 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am happy that my parents can opt out of the mask requirement now, I felt uncomfortable wearing it for long hours.
- Some of my friends prefer to wear masks for their safety, so I think everyone should have their choice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Teacher (Dallas, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the health implications for myself and other staff with the mask mandates being lifted.
- While I understand the importance of choice, the health risks for staff and students who are vulnerable must be considered.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Parent (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel relieved as my kids are more comfortable without masks, and I think it's safer now than during the peak of the pandemic.
- I just hope schools ensure other precautions and respect everyone's decisions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
School Administrator (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a relief not to have to navigate conflicts over mask mandates, but I'm concerned about potential community spread.
- The policy provides flexibility, but it could lead to logistical challenges if outbreaks occur and disrupt schooling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Student (Portland, OR)
Age: 14 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad I won't have to wear masks anymore because it makes breathing a lot easier with my asthma.
- I do worry about getting sick but feel safer now that cases are lower.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
School Bus Driver (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the kids removing masks, especially in close quarters like the school bus.
- While I value parental choice, it should also consider the safety of those like me who are at risk.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Parent (New York, NY)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I like that we can choose whether our kids wear masks now, it makes me feel more in control of their daily life.
- As long as everyone respects each other's choices, I think this is a positive change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public Health Official (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the public health risks, especially during flu season or if new variants arise.
- The ability for parents to opt out complicates our mitigation strategies significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 10 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't mind wearing masks anymore, but I'm excited that I might not have to, especially when playing outside.
- My mom is nervous, but we talked about staying safe in other ways.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired, Volunteer Tutor (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy spending time with students, so the policy allowing for more social engagement is positive.
- However, at my age, I'm cautious and would prefer a consistent mask policy to make me feel safer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- Compliance with the bill's provisions could significantly impact LEAs' budget allocations.
- Monitoring and enforcement costs must be projected and accounted for in the federal budget.
- LEAs may require guidance to implement policy changes without significant disruption.