Legislators ask Inslee to reconsider mandatory mask mandates for all schools this fall

Several members of the Washington State House Republican Caucus, led by their health care leader, Rep. Joe Schmick, sent Gov. Jay Inslee a letter today asking him to reconsider his mandate requiring masks for all students across the state this fall.

Schmick, R-Colfax, urged the governor to give more weight to local control and parental input. He released the following statement as well:

“Local school boards, with ample input from parents, should partner with local health departments in making these types of decisions.  They are able to make the best decisions based on the numbers they're seeing in their areas while taking into account the priorities of each community.

“The one-size-fits-all mandate that we're seeing emanating from Olympia does not fit the needs and desires of all school districts, especially those in smaller communities like Endicott and Garfield.

“I urge the governor to reconsider his mandate requiring students, teachers, and school personnel in all school districts across the state to wear masks.”

To view the letter in its entirety, click here.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov