For immediate release:
Today, I stand in agreement with the decision from Senator Dr. Richard Pan that his bill SB 871 will no longer be moving through the legislative process. As scientists and physicians, it is our responsibility to prevent and respond to public health crises through facts and data. The reality is, the data show a dire need for the state and medical community to focus more on vaccine education and access before legislating a COVID-19 mandate in order to attend school. I appreciate Dr. Pan’s hard work to protect public health while also recognizing that the current data suggest it is not the time for this bill.