State Senate Votes to Reopen Schools
Ready for some good news out of Richmond?
Thought so.
On Tuesday, SB 1303, which will require all Virginia public schools to open for in-person as well as virtual classes, passed the Democrat-controlled Senate overwhelmingly on a BI-PARTISAN VOTE of 26-13.
Let’s hear it for politicians putting kids ahead of party!
The bill was introduced by State Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant of Henrico. She’s a Republican OB-GYN, by the way.
After what’s been described as “impassioned” debate, seven Democrats joined all of the Senate’s Republicans in voting for the measure.
No one sat this one out.
The Magnificent Seven include Senators John J. Bell of Loudoun County, Janet Howell of Fairfax, Lynwood Lewis of the Eastern Shore and parts of Tidewater, David Marsden of Fairfax, Joseph Morrissey of Richmond, Chap Petersen of Fairfax City, Scott Surovell of Fairfax and Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw of Alexandria.
Local Senators Louise Lucas, Lionel Spruill and Mamie Locke voted against reopening schools. Sigh.
Naturally, the teachers unions are apoplectic over the measure. They do not want to return to classrooms, perhaps ever. They certainly don’t want parents or Richmond telling them what to do.
Never mind that most essential workers have been leaving home daily for their jobs in hospitals, supermarkets, doctors’ offices, post offices, barbershops, restaurants, police and fire stations and courthouses and that most of the spread of Covid-19 is happening within households. Nope, militant teachers want their members to hide in their homes and remain virtual for as long as possible.
Who cares that remote learning is turning many kids into mental patients and driving down achievement?
Still, let’s temper our celebrations.
If this bill becomes law, it won’t take effect until July, which means schools can defy science and remain closed for the rest of this school year.
Pity it isn’t effective immediately.
Second, this measure has to pass Michael Bloomberg’s House of Delegates, where the lefties are slavishly devoted to organized labor. This won’t be easy.
Every single member of the House of Delegates is up for re-election this year. The only way they’ll defy the unions is if they fear a powerful backlash from voters.
