Rep. David Valadao urging California to prioritize vaccinating farmworkers

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Rep. David Valadao (R-California) is urging Governor Gavin Newsom to prioritize farmworkers and rural areas in the vaccination process.

"Farmworkers show up to work every day to feed America, making them vulnerable to contracting and spreading the virus," Valadao tweeted. "I urge [Gov. Newsom] to prioritize accessibility to the vaccine in rural communities for this very reason."

Valadao joined 23ABC to discuss why the state should put greater urgency on vaccinating rural communities.

"I just want to make sure that the governor realizes that we're watching and want to hold him accountable," Valadao said.

This week, West Fresno County began rolling out the vaccine to farmworkers, setting aside enough doses from the state to get up to 3,000 essential agriculture workers vaccinated. Still they say it's not enough.

Valadao said prioritizing farmworkers isn't about moving them ahead of others on the list of vaccination, but rather getting as much of the vaccine out as possible so that those who play a vital role in keeping the community healthy and fed can be protected.

Watch Valadao's full interview below: