YUBA CITY – Using regional science-based data, the Yuba-Sutter Health Officer today modified the local health order to allow many businesses in the two counties to re-open on Monday, May 4. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) and Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), who have fiercely advocated for small businesses and local control over re-opening, applauded the Yuba-Sutter Health Officer for taking this action.
“Local businesses in the North State are on the brink of permanent closure. Some employees only have $20 to their name,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama). “Given the low infection rates, we must open up our local economy for these employees. They want to work. They need to earn money to support their families.”
The new local order allows restaurants, retail stores and other businesses previously labeled as ‘non-essential’ to re-open, so long as they abide by social distancing, implement certain safety protocols and are classified as having low to moderate contact intensity.
Assemblyman Gallagher said, “In Yuba-Sutter and throughout our region, science has dictated the local decision-making process during this pandemic. Our swift local action has successfully flattened the curve. But we have made many sacrifices to get to this point. I support the action today in allowing a safe re-opening of the economy that allows many to return to work while continuing to protect vulnerable populations.”
With businesses closed throughout the state, city and county revenues are plummeting, leaving fewer dollars to pay for services like police, fire, roads, and social safety net programs. According to the League of California Cities, nine out of 10 cities project that these shortfalls will lead to service cuts or furloughs and layoffs. For example, conservative estimates in the City of Chico are projecting a $7.2 million revenue drop in the next 14 months.
“Yes, today’s announcement will help small businesses and a struggling economy. But it doesn’t stop there. Bringing businesses back online will also help lessen the social impacts and reduce the need to make drastic budget cuts that are on the horizon as a result of the stay-at-home order,” Gallagher said. “This is good news for residents who rely on the various programs and services provided by local governments. I am optimistic that other counties will soon follow suit.”
Assemblyman Gallagher questioned the continued validity of the Governor’s statewide stay-at-home order.
“We have met the public health guidelines to begin re-opening and we have the capability to manage this virus locally. There is no longer any justification for his executive order as it pertains to our communities,” Gallagher said.
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Senator Nielsen represents the Fourth Senate District, which includes the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba. To contact Senator Jim Nielsen, please call him at 916-651-4004, or via email at senator.nielsen@sen.ca.gov.
Assemblyman James Gallagher represents the 3rd Assembly District, which encompasses all of Glenn, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties as well as portions of Butte and Colusa counties.
