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.
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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 ]
Small groups of right-wing protesters — some of them carrying rifles — gathered outside heavily fortified statehouses around the country Sunday, outnumbered by National Guard troops and police . . .
Police and National Guard troops stood sentry at newly fortified statehouses Sunday ahead of demonstrations planned for the leadup to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, as authorities worked to deter a repeat of the recent riot that overran the U.S. Capitol. A few protesters were starting to gather in some cities, but streets in many others […]