Virus outbreaks stoke tensions in some state capitols By Associated Press | February 5, 2021 at 10:21 AM EST - Updated February 5 at 11:49 AM
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) After only their first few weeks of work, tensions already are high among lawmakers meeting in-person at some state capitols not because of testy debates over taxes, guns or abortion, but because of a disregard for coronavirus precautions.
In Georgia, a Republican lawmaker recently was booted from the House floor for refusing to get tested for the coronavirus. In Iowa, a Democratic House member boldly violated a no-jeans rule to protest the chamber’s lack of a mask rule.
Virus outbreaks stoke tensions in state capitols
Members of the Missouri House – some wearing masks and other not – huddle closely in conversations before the beginning of session Feb. 3 in Jefferson City, Mo. The House chamber has no mask mandate and has not modified its seating during the coronavirus pandemic. The House canceled all work for a full week in January after a COVID-19 outbreak. (AP photo/David A. Lieb)
Tensions are high these days among lawmakers meeting at many state capitols – including in Oklahoma – not because of testy debates over taxes, guns or abortion, but because of disagreement over coronavirus precautions.
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. After only their first few weeks of work, tensions already are high among lawmakers meeting in-person at some state capitols not because of testy debates over taxes, guns or abortion, but because of a disregard for coronavirus precautions.
In Georgia, a Republican lawmaker recently was booted from the House floor for refusing to get tested for the coronavirus. In Iowa, a Democratic House member boldly violated a no-jeans rule to protest the chamber’s lack of a mask rule.
And in Missouri, numerous lawmakers and staff some fearing for their health after a COVID-19 outbreak in the Capitol scrambled to get vaccinated at a clinic before legislative leaders warned that the shots weren’t actually meant for them. GOP Gov. Mike Parson denounced the lawmakers as line-jumpers.
Coronavirus outbreaks, lax rules stoke tensions in state capitols
Some state legislatures are failing to take pandemic precautions, resulting in outbreaks of COVID-19 and finger-pointing.
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In this Jan. 5 photo, Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, left, talks with incoming House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, on the House floor before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are sworn-in at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. After only their first few weeks of work, tensions already are high among lawmakers meeting in-person at some state Capitols â not because of testy debates over taxes, guns or abortion, but because of a disregard for coronavirus precautions. [ LAURENCE KESTERSON | AP ]
Iowa s Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley is the grandson of outspoken United States Senator Chuck Grassley. He had repeatedly said that he can t require lawmakers to wear masks on the House floor to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Grassley however did enforce a No Jeans rule on the house floor. As the Iowa House rules state no member of the general assembly or legislative employee or intern shall be admitted to the floor of the House if attired in jeans of any color without leave of the speaker.
Democratic Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell of Ames decided she would test that rule on Tuesday and wore her blue jeans during the House debate. She was asked to go and change them but she refused to do so.