Stitt: Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates are ‘not just federal overreach, it’s unconstitutional’
The fight over Biden’s vaccine mandates continues.
The fight over Biden’s vaccine mandates continues.
The fight over Biden’s vaccine mandates continues.
The fight over Biden’s vaccine mandates continues.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said, “This action is not just federal overreach, it's unconstitutional.”
President Biden’s plan states that employers with more than 100 employees will require the vaccine or weekly testing.
Stitt said that he is okay with businesses incorporating their own requirements but does not believe that the government should be involved.
>> More on this: Stitt: Oklahoma ready to ‘take President Biden to court’ over COVID-19 vaccine mandates
“Businesses should have the freedom to make decisions based on their circumstances,” said Stitt. “When the government starts to pick winners and losers, we're headed down a slippery slope.”
The president remains adamant that a one-size-fits-all approach is the best way to fight COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.
President Biden said, “The plan I laid out in September is working. We're headed in the right direction. We have critical work to do we cannot let up now.”
>> Read more: President Biden announces sweeping new vaccine mandates impacting 100 million workers
Stitt believes the vaccine is the best defense against COVID-19, pointing out that more than 71% of Oklahomans over the age of 18 have chosen to get the vaccine. Yet, he still thinks that it should be a personal choice and is ready to take legal action if needed.
“I've talked about this with our attorney general, John O'Connor. And I know he's on our side. He's ready to take President Biden to court the second the rules are made public,” said Stitt.
>> COVID-19 in Oklahoma: New cases, deaths, breakthrough cases, vaccination rates
In a statement, Attorney General John O’Connor confirmed that his office is prepared to join other state attorneys general to fight the vaccine mandate.
“Oklahomans should have the right to make their own personal health decision for themselves and their families,” said O’Connor.
In September, the Biden administration stated it could take several weeks for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to announce the formal language of these mandates.