Members of the State Assembly have announced a $12.6 billion plan aimed at getting California’s kids back in school for in-person education.
The proposal, introduced by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, could come up for a vote next week with or without the governor’s support. It gives schools access to full state funding if they’re able to come up with a reopening plan by mid-April.
"While the Legislature’s proposal represents a step in the right direction, it doesn’t go far enough or fast enough," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement on the plan late Thursday. "I look forward to building on the growing momentum to get our schools open and continuing discussions with the Legislature to get our kids back in school as safely and quickly as possible."
Assembly Member Phil Ting told the San Francisco Chronicle the plan requires districts to reopen in-person learning for all elementary school students when their counties enter the state’s red tier. The plan also applies to students in need of additional support like those "who are chronically absent, English-language learners, homeless or otherwise considered at-risk," the paper reported.
Much of the Bay Area is listed in the state’s restrictive purple tier as of now.
"We were expecting something out of (the governor) late last week. I didn't happen. We thought it might have happened late yesterday. I didn't happen," KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier said. "The governor said they've been stymied over the issue of vaccinating teachers."
Districts are allowed to opt out of the plan, forging the state funds.
The legislation would require county public health departments to make COVID-19 vaccines available to on-site school staff working at facilities where students are attending in-person learning.
"Our intention is to pass the bill on Monday," Ting told the paper.
It was not immediately clear if the bill has enough support to pass.
Last week, Gov. Newsom described the ongoing talks to reopen California’s schools as "stubborn."
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