See below for a press release from the Democratic Party of Virginia, as well as video of a press conference by Virginia House and Senate Democrats (Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Sen. Jennifer McClellan, Del. Jeff Bourne, Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, Del. Kathleen Murphy, Del. Kaye Kory, Del. Elizabeth Guzman, Del. Clinton Jenkins) who ripped Glenn Youngkin for starting a “culture war” over wearing masks in schools, and his “illegal actions have made clear that he will choose to appease the far-right instead of funding and keeping schools open and protecting Virginia’s children.” They also stressed the need for Youngkin to listen to ALL parents (and note that a large majority supports the statewide mask mandate in K-12 schools!) and to the health experts.
House and Senate Democrats to Hold Press Conference on Glenn Youngkin Threatening to Defund Virginia Schools Over Masks
Richmond, VA — Today, House and Senate Democrats will hold a press conference on Governor Glenn Youngkin’s threat to use official state resources to defund Virginia schools after school divisions across the Commonwealth rejected the Governor’s illegal executive order eliminating mask requirements in schools as COVID-19 cases surge.
Youngkin’s executive order rejects the science and violates Senate Bill 1303, which was signed into Virginia law last year. This law ensures that students are kept safe while receiving the maximum amount of in-person instruction time. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support from the entire Republican caucus, including Speaker Todd Gilbert, who voted for the legislation.
The governor’s illegal actions have made clear that he will choose to appease the far-right instead of funding and keeping schools open and protecting Virginia’s children.
Today’s press conference will be live-streamed on the DPVA Facebook page at Facebook.com/VaDemocrats.
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