Today, without data Governor Gavin Newsom ordered another shutdown picking winners and losers. Unfortunately, it appears that the losers will be children in public schools and the working class. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement:

“Shutting down the state again will only hurt the citizens of California. Nowhere in the nation has it been proven that this is an effective method of combatting the coronavirus. The first closure drove the state into a recession. Storefronts are boarded up. Many mom-and-pop shops are on the brink of permanent closure.

“The first shutdown put millions into unemployment. Hundreds of thousands of Californians are still waiting for their benefits, while Gavin Newsom's EDD sends cash cards to death row inmates.

“Elected officials cannot abide by their rules, and now, they are imposing stricter rules on everyday Californians? Not only are these officials breaking their own guidelines, they are flaunting their wealth and privilege while millions of Californians are on unemployment, waiting for unemployment or lining up at food banks.

“Shutdowns disproportionately impact the working class and the working poor. High income earners are doing well, many are flourishing from the comforts of their homes.

“Children of the rich are attending schools and participating in their activities – learning and thriving. Children in public schools, however, are Zooming like zombies – failing and declining in mental health. Sadly, many are facing unchecked abuse or neglect.

“Shutdowns are furthering the economic and education disparities among Californians. Californians deserve better.”