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Any OUSD bond shouldfocus on health, safety
The Oakland Unified School District is considering a new bond measure for the upcoming ballot. I am concerned that the board will not include funding for upgrades to the Oakland schools that will address the health and safety of students and staff.
Of primary importance is their immediate response to the COVID-19 virus and future health issues. The board should take a long view of developing school facilities that respond to issues such as social distancing, proper ventilation systems to prevent spreading contagion, as well as including Title 24 upgrades that have been put off but are long overdue. Be proactive, not reactive.
One school that is long overdue for important upgrades is Skyline High School, which has a citywide demographic. The school is overly worn and always left off of the upgrades priorities lists, probably because of its hill location.
Bobbi FeyerabendOakland
Time to replace ACAwith single-payer system
A recent Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law reports on the failures of the Affordable Care Act.
The report points to the need to enact and implement a single-payer, improved version of Medicare for All — a truly universal, comprehensive, efficient, equitable and affordable plan for everyone.
Many academic studies have shown that a well-designed single-payer system will not cost any more than what we are already spending in the United States on health care. With a reasonable tax, while controlling industry profits, we could eliminate private spending on premiums, out-of-pocket spending for deductibles, co-pays and uncovered services.
Ours is a fragmented health care system with much of its focus on profit, not on public health. We need a system that is not tied to employment, available from birth to death to all residents. This is now more apparent and urgent than ever.
Janet ThomasLafayette
Unaddressed dangerin COVID-19 pandemic
Our governor has issued many guidelines to follow in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. There is one big issue that has never been addressed or mentioned.
When checking friends in their 70s, 80s and 90s who are being very vigilant about sheltering in place I have discovered they are still having housekeepers come in their homes a couple of times each month to clean for them. Sometimes there are two or three housekeepers and they don’t even wear masks.
It is understandable the housekeepers need the income because many are undocumented, live with many family members and do not qualify for unemployment. They are going in and out of other homes as well.
Friends don’t seem to consider that these workers need to shelter in place for their own safety. This is an overlooked danger. It seems in our society today people can justify anything.Norma NetoFremont
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Letters: OUSD bond focus | Single-payer over ACA | Hidden COVID-19 danger - East Bay Times
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