California Lawmakers OK $6.6 Billion Plan To Incentivize Schools To Reopen

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The California Legislature has approved a $6.6 billion plan aimed at returning students to the classroom.

The legislation approved Thursday would give school districts $2 billion if they offer in-person instruction by the end of the month.

Another $4.6 billion would be available to all school districts to help students catch up. But districts must spend at least 85% of that money on in-person instruction.

Most of California's 6.1 million public school students have been learning from home since last March because of the pandemic.

Critics say the plan is still too weak because it does not require schools to resume in-person instruction.