WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) along with Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), and David Perdue (R-GA) recently sent a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) requesting continued support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) as Congress discusses additional coronavirus relief.

“Many HBCUs continue to struggle to meet current and prospective needs,” wrote the Senators. “Broadband access remains a major hurdle for far too many students and schools, particularly in rural areas. We must help to equip HBCUs with the technological infrastructure necessary to weather this storm and maintain their growing momentum.”

The Senators continued, “In addition, Congress should seek to identify opportunities to ensure that HBCUs have a seat at the table as we seek to better understand COVID-19 and other biomedical challenges, along with their varied impacts… as we transition into discussions on how best to assist in and accelerate the economic recovery, we urge you to consider diverse avenues of support for HBCUs and MSIs.” 

Senator Tillis recently announced coronavirus relief funding for North Carolina’s HBCUs totaling $65,228,325, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was supported by Senator Tillis.

The full letter can be read here.

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