SACRAMENTO – Today Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest threat to once again shut down schools and close small businesses:
“Our state has imposed the harshest government controls throughout the COVID era, with nothing to show for it in terms of public health. Yesterday’s announcement shows Gavin Newsom hasn’t learned anything.
“We need to trust and respect the people of California, not threaten them with extreme consequences that will harm their child’s future and devastate their livelihoods. If Newsom goes down this road again, he needs to be prepared to go back to court.”
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One year ago this month, Governor Newsom ordered schools in California to close their doors for the 2020-21 school year. Assemblyman Kiley condemned that decision, stating that it elevated “the appearance of safety over actual student safety” and was driven “by politics and special interests, not science.”
This decision had devastating impacts on California students and working families. A large body of evidence shows dramatic losses in academic outcomes, reduced life expectancy, significant increases in the achievement gap, and a mental health crisis that continues to fuel a tragic number of youth suicides.
Despite these devastating impacts, California was still 50 out of 50 in getting kids back to the classroom. In return, the state showed no measurable difference in health outcomes when compared to states that took the exact opposite approach.
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley represents the 6th Assembly District, which includes the Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County communities of Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Orangevale, Penryn, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sheridan.
