As a parent, I'm concerned about the impacts that indefinite distance learning and social isolation are having on our children. We must reopen schools as soon as it's safe.

One of my priorities this legislative session is AB 10, my bill requiring schools to have a reopening plan and to implement it within two weeks of their county landing in the Yellow, Orange or Red tier (indicating lower rates of transmission). This policy is based on solid data confirming that educational settings are not super-spreaders of COVID-19.

AB 10 sets a clear expectation of when in-person instruction must resume - and bases the decision around public health parameters that will include testing, personal protective equipment and proper social distancing.

Of course, right now is not the time to reopen, as infection rates spike. But California must also look ahead for what comes next - so that when this winter surge is under control, we are ready to bring back in-person learning safely under the guidance of both state and local public health departments.

AB 10 will be heard in the Assembly Education Committee soon. Please show your support for school reopening by signing the petition.

Phil Ting
Assemblymember, 19th District