(Annie Black) – Even as other Democrat governors begin reopening their states now that President Trump is no longer in the White House, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak continues with his iron grip on the state’s economic throat while doing nothing (other than talk) to reopen our public schools.
With deadly results.
“Since schools shut their doors in March,” the New York Times reported over the weekend, “an early-warning system that monitors students’ mental health episodes has sent more than 3,100 alerts to (Clark County School District) officials, raising alarms about suicidal thoughts, possible self-harm or cries for care.
“By December, 18 students had taken their own lives.”
Tragic.
And make no mistake. The fact that so many public-school classrooms remain shuttered is due to the teachers’ unions that continue to object to teachers being forced to show up in person for their jobs even as store clerks, cashiers and waitresses show up for theirs.
The decisions to continue blocking the schoolhouse doors so kids can’t get in are purely political. The “science” Gov. Sisolak continues to claim is behind his shutdown decisions was settled long ago.
There is simply NO scientific or health reason to keep classrooms closed.
The teachers’ unions don’t care.
If the government is going to continue barricading public school classrooms, parents should be rebated the money allotted to their kids’ education so they can move them into a private school, charter school or homeschool.
In 2015, Republicans in the Nevada Legislature created universal Education Savings Accounts (ESA’s) providing parents about $5,000 per child to send their kids to the school of THEIR choice, not the government’s.
Just as food stamps can be used at private grocery stores.
But in 2019, after regaining control of the Legislature and the governor’s office, Democrats killed ESA’s. That decision is now killing some of our kids…literally.
Yesterday marked the start of School Choice Week. And never has it been more important.
But don’t hold your breath waiting for Democrats in the Nevada Legislature to bring back ESA’s. They’re more worried about getting support from the teachers’ unions than supporting your kids.
Fund students, not schools.
LAST CHANCE to Sign “Unlock Nevada” Petition
The 2021 session of the Nevada Legislature begins in one week (grab your wallets!) and I’m driving up from Las Vegas today.
Since I’ll be on the road and inaccessible most of the day – and since people are still going online to sign my “Unlock Nevada & End the Sisolak Shutdown” petition – I’m going to extend the deadline until tomorrow.
Then we’ll add all your names to the bottom of the petition, print out 63 copies, and hand-deliver one to every legislator so they have it before next Monday.
If you want to add your name to the list, sign now or forever hold your peace!
QUOTES OF THE DAY
“We lost a senior at my son’s high school to suicide, his depression exacerbated by quarantine.” – Asra Q. Nomani
“Kids are killing themselves because of isolation while teachers’ unions are fighting to keep schools closed despite schools not being a serious vector of disease transmission. Never forget this.” – Sonny Bunch
“Teachers unions have proven to be one of the most destructive organizations in American society.” – John Cooper
“By pushing to keep schools closed even as evidence mounted that in-person classes were relatively low-risk and remote learning was ineffective, teachers’ unions failed students and parents.” – Peter Suderman, Reason magazine
“The teachers union is coming for more money at the (Nevada Legislature), yet are resisting any plan to reopen. Families are suffering. Kids are losing opportunities.” – Deborah Earl
“Time for the funds to be allocated to students and allow them to go elsewhere for their educational needs. Teachers unions don’t have a right to hold children’s education hostage to their own fears.” – William Tyson
“Education funding is supposed to be meant for educating children – not for protecting a government monopoly. We should fund students instead of institutions.” – Corey DeAngelis
“It is those with the least access to school choice who suffer the most. Wealthy families can afford to buy laptops, pay tuition for independent schools or even hire private tutors for one-on-one lessons. By contrast, poorer students often face difficulties even accessing the internet for online learning.” – Valeria Gurr
“If you homeschool you should get a voucher from your taxes in order to buy different types of curriculum and school supplies.” – Clark County School District Trustee Katie Williams
Annie Black is the Nevada State Assemblywoman representing District 19. You can get more information by visiting www.electannieblack.com
