I will keep this short.
Texas governor Greg Abbott has decided that what this state needs is even more COVID.
Why do I say this?
Last month, Abbott (R–COVID) issued an executive order that banned state agencies from requiring COVID–19 vaccines under emergency use authorization. This ban also applies to customers of businesses receiving state funding (although at least it doesn’t apply to employees).
Well, today, he decided that’s not good enough. He issued another executive order outright banning mandates for any COVID–19 vaccines. (He gets one quantum of credit for exempting nursing homes and state-supported living centers.)
I will note this, although, given the nature of the legislature, I have no faith in them.
At the same time, Abbott asked lawmakers to consider legislation addressing whether state or local governments could issue vaccine mandates and, if so, which exemptions should apply.
Thankfully, at least some local governments plan to resist Gov. Abbott (R–COVID):
San Antonio Independent School District had already announced mandatory employee vaccinations, prompting a lawsuit from Attorney General Ken Paxton.
District officials said Wednesday they will move forward with the mandate — despite Abbott's latest order.
“We strongly believe that the safest path forward as a school district is for all staff to become vaccinated against COVID-19,” the district said in a statement.