Kansas' Democratic Governor issued a statement in opposition to President Joe Biden’s mandate that businesses get vaccines.
Gov. Laura Kelly joined Republicans to oppose the mandate. She said it was "too late" to impose a federal level after states had "been leading against COVID-19."
Biden's mandate for vaccines requires that businesses employing over 100 people must make sure their employees are vaccinated and tested every week.
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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat joined Republicans to oppose President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for business.
Kelly released a statement praising Biden's intentions, but signaling that Kansas will take a different path.
Kelly stated in a Twitter statement that Kelly did not believe the directive was the best or most effective solution for Kansas.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the states have led the fight against COVID-19. Kelly said that it was too late to establish a federal standard, as we have already created systems and strategies that meet our specific needs."
She wrote, "I will seek a solution that continues to recognize our uniqueness and builds upon our ongoing efforts to combat an once-in-a century crisis."
Biden's mandate officially went into effect on Thursday. It will go into effect on January 4. Kansas is among several states that are suing to contest the mandate.
Kevin Shalvey of Insider reported that the states opposed to the mandate claim the federal government does not have the constitutional authority for such a mandate and that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is not authorized to enforce it.
Insider reported that President Joe Biden's mandate was temporarily stopped by a Louisiana federal appeals court.
The Fifth Circuit US Court of Appeals ruled that there could be "grave statutory or constitutional" issues with Biden’s mandate. It requires businesses with over 100 employees to require their employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19, or to undergo weekly testing.
Ronald Klain, White House Chief Of Staff, stated Sunday that he is "confident" that the mandate will be honored.
According to state data, 47.8% of Kansans aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated. This is lower than the national average of 58.3% according to CDC data.
