City Of San Antonio: Councilwoman Teri Castillo's Statement Of Concern Regarding Covid-19, Abbott's Executive Order, And Senate Bill 14

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

Thursday, August 12, 2021

CONTACT: Amador Salazar, 210.207.8290
Amador.Salazar@sanantonio.gov

SAN ANTONIO (August 11, 2021) -- The return to 100% in-person instruction without a remote learning option for students under the age of 12, who are presently ineligible for a Covid-19 vaccine, is a major concern for Councilwoman Teri Castillo, who last week at the City Council B Session pressed the City of San Antonio to make the strong recommendation that school superintendents utilize the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds to implement remote learning options.

The recent actions taken by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County to challenge Abbott’s Executive Order are commendable; while the temporary restraining order has been issued, we must endeavor to keep our communities safe. The Health Advisory from Metro Health requiring universal indoor masking inside all public K-12 schools in Bexar County is a step to protect our vulnerable population.

On Monday, Councilwoman Castillo testified before the Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce in opposition of Texas Senate Bill 14 that significantly limits the rights of municipalities to enact ordinances or issue orders affecting any employment conditions, such as requiring masks. This would effectively constraint local governments’ ability to implement and enforce protections that keep our schools and businesses safe for employees and the public during emergencies such as natural disasters or the pandemic.

The Councilwoman firmly believes that we must protect the power of municipalities to keep the public and workers safe especially amid a public health crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic. We must always prioritize the safety of our children and workers at the forefront and oppose any Texas State Bill that prevents cities and counties from ensuring the health and safety of our communities.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.