Kentucky lawmakers scrap statewide mask mandate in schools

[TexasTowelie]

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky lawmakers, many not wearing masks, voted Thursday to scrap a statewide mask mandate in public schools and shifted masking decisions to local school boards, acting in a special session as the state's worst COVID-19 surge threatens to overwhelm hospitals.

The GOP-dominated legislature set education policies in response to disruptions caused by the virus, which has forced dozens of school districts to close classrooms. The masking provisions sparked emotional debate on the third and final day of the special session called by the Democratic governor to address the pandemic.

Gov. Andy Beshear responded late Thursday night by vetoing portions of the bill nullifying mask mandates for K-12 public schools and child-care centers. Republican lawmakers quickly overrode his vetoes, completing their work to end statewide mask mandates.

Lawmakers ended the special session soon after that.

Beshear's veto message referred to masks as a “safe and effective way” to combat the spread of COVID-19. The governor previously issued statewide mask mandates and recently said he thought another mask order was needed to confront the current surge.

Read more: https://lufkindailynews.com/anpa/us/article_0be74596-e9b3-55d2-883c-71202d4165b1.html

[SoCalDavidS]

1. Still Do Not Understand KY

So you elect a Democratic Governor, but then he's pretty helpless to do anything, given everything else is controlled by the repubs. All the way up to the Senate.

[timms139]

2. I have lived in Kentucky

all my life and it has become one of the most ignorant voting states in the country. Since the Republican take over roads that were once great have become trash among lots of other things that have went to pot ,and yet they are still in control . You can bet the money the Democrats will be sending to the state will be claimed by the Republicans and the ignorant will believe it.