Senator Patricia Bates was recently appointed as vice chair of the COVID-19 Response Committee by Senate President Pro Temp Toni Atkins.
The bipartisan committee—officially named the Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response—consists of 11 state senators who will review the state’s response to the virus. Their findings will be used for future preparedness if the nation faces the return of coronavirus or a similar pandemic.
“We have seen heroic responses from healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery employees, truck drivers, educators and so many more,” said Senator Bates. “We also know that over 750 Californians have died and over 23,300 have tested positive for COVID-19. They and all Californians deserve a thoughtful review of what has worked well and what could have been and can be done better. I appreciate Senator Atkins’ leadership on this important issue and the efforts of my Senate colleagues who will join me on this committee.”
Among the committee members is another local Republican, Senator Brian Jones. With Jones and Bates on the committee, Californians can rest assured that Republicans will ensure accountability and work toward creating a response to this pandemic that will help prevent future ones.
