UpdatedTue, May 18, 2021 at 9:12 pm CT Reply(1) Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration earmarked $225 million in federal COVID=19 relief for SHIELD Illinois coronavirus testing in schools. So far, 10 of nearly 860 school districts have signed on with the SHIELD. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker keeps pushing to make sure his pet coronavirus saliva testing operation at the University of Illinois cashes in on federal pandemic relief money. [COMMENTARY] Illinois school districts already are eligible for federal reimbursement for coronavirus testing in an effort to get some kids back in schools amid pandemic shutdowns. Subscribe But last week, Pritzker announced his plan to set aside $225 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan to entice school districts to sign contracts with SHIELD Illinois for coronavirus testing when kids are expected to fully return to in-person learning next year.