SEIU Local 521 and the Commit to Equity Coalition organized a socially distanced rally in front of Assemblymember Rudy Salas’ office demanding the state tax billionaires to ensure resources are available to safely and equitably reopen the economy and schools impacted by COVID-19.
Unless adequate resources are provided for recovery, millions of parents will have to choose between re-entering the workforce without child care or staying home and keep struggling to be able to supervise their kids as they continue distance learning until further notice.
On Monday, Governor Newsom ordered counties to restrict or close many businesses. Also, California’s two largest school districts — Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified — announced that students will resume classes online next month.
On Tuesday, Bakersfield City School District formally recommended the 2020-21 academic year begin in a distance learning format.
The news came two weeks after Governor Newsom signed the state budget, which includes $14 billion in “trigger cuts” to schools, community colleges, state universities, affordable housing and safety net services unless aid is provided by October 15.
With 16% of Californians out of work, families are in crisis.
Since the onset of COVID-19 three months ago, the 165 billionaires who live in California got over $175 billion richer.
For more information about the impact of state budget cuts on communities of color, see this list.
