Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Legislation to Support Reopening of California Schools 

February 18, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement about SB/AB 86, legislation that would provide more than $6 billion to help California schools re-open campuses and aid with learning recovery:

“Here are two truths—California’s students need to get back in the classroom, and there is no easy solution to getting them there in the midst of the pandemic. These bills move us closer, and build on the Governor’s framework based on feedback that we’ve heard from parents, students, and school employees, including teachers. They keep the conversation going, both in the Legislature and with the Governor. We all share the same goal—to get students back into school safely. Schools provide more than just academics—they lend the kind of supports and social interaction that kids have been lacking during this pandemic. Every single day, I’m reminded that I would not be where I am without school—the lessons, the athletics, the friends. We need to do all we can to get campuses open safely, and keep them open.”

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins