Statement from Rep. Peter Abbarno on governor’s vaccination mandate for educators

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, has issued this statement following Gov. Jay Inslee's news conference Wednesday in which the governor announced a vaccine mandate for K-12 teachers and staff and a new statewide mask requirement:

“Governor Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal are operating in an echo chamber that is creating a crisis in the health care industry, education system, and among our public servants. Choosing extreme ultimatums trample liberties and result in less teachers and less health care providers at a time when we need this most. The governor and superintendent of public instruction are not the only elected officials to blame for the unbalanced unilateral mandates. The governor's majority Democrat party had numerous opportunities this year to take power back from the governor and restore the checks and balances. Over and over again, the majority party refused to govern on these issues, refused to hold a special session, and refused to recognize the Legislature's responsibility and duty to represent their unique districts.

“I renew my call on Governor Inslee and Superintendent Reykdal to choose a better path and reject extreme mandates that disregard the rights of countless parents, students, teachers, health care workers, and public servants. I also renew my call on majority Democrats to uphold the oath to govern, restore balance to Olympia, and not cede the power of our duly-elected legislators.”

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov