WHEREAS, the United States has 4 percent of the world’s population, but one quarter of the world’s COVID-19 cases and deaths caused by the novel coronavirus; and Florida has more than a half million confirmed COVID-19 cases and an indeterminate number of additional COVID-19 deaths due to suspect reporting methods; and
WHEREAS, controlling the spread and impact of the novel coronavirus depends upon national and statewide strategies, plans, and mandates to address the public health crisis; and
WHEREAS, neither the Trump nor the DeSantis administration has taken the necessary steps to adequately address the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, this is a worldwide pandemic that can only be controlled by stringent safety measure and mitigation plans designed to protect our school students, personnel and those coming in contact with them within the community;
WHEREAS, reopening public schools during the pandemic requires detailed and comprehensive safety and mitigation plans that include mandatory masks or face covering, testing, adequate space for social distancing, additional teachers and staff to guarantee proper distancing and supervision, adequate personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, increased custodial staff with specialized training to guarantee appropriate cleanliness of the schools, adequate air- conditioning and open space, expanded bus service to safely transport children; adequate health professionals on campus, and minimum standards for removing, quarantining, notifying and contract tracing of students, teachers, administration, staff, bus drivers, parents and contractors involved in positive testing.
WHEREAS, the Republican-controlled United States Senate and the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature have refused to provide adequate funding for safety and mitigation plans;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida calls for Florida brick and mortar public schools to remain closed until adequate funding for comprehensive safety and mitigation plans is provided; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida calls for Florida brick and mortar public schools to remain closed until the infection rate in the state has been reduced, controlled and is on a sustained downward curve.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida calls on Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to immediately call a Special Session to address family and community needs during the pandemic that includes funding for online learning programs, access to computers and internet service, mobile educational support staff, tutoring, and childcare; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida calls on the United States Congress to increase financial support for struggling families and communities as the pandemic continues; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida calls on all American citizens to unite this November in electing competent leaders who understand and are committed to enacting sound public health and educational policies.
Patty Farley, President
Democratic Women’s Club of Florida
