Physicians in Michigan are asking that state lawmakers consider science when making decisions on in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state Senate is expected to meet on Saturday, where they’ll discuss legislation that would require an in-person learning option for k-through-5th grade students.
If the bill is passed, districts going completely online this fall could risk losing funding.
Dr. Farhan Bhatti is a family physician and member of the Lansing school board.
He says state budget cuts would be devastating.
"It would have a devastating impact on the services that we could provide to our kids, the educational opportunities," said Bhatti. "There would probably be the high possibility of layoffs of staff."
He says in-person learning is crucial to kids’ development, but will not be safe for students or teachers without stringent health and safety measures.