Today was orientation for all the newly-elected members of the General Assembly. The orientation was done in-person, with not enough room for good social distancing. So, you would expect everyone to wear masks, right?
Apparently, though, if you are a Republican, wearing a mask is optional, because this whole COVID thing is a hoax. Even after being asked to put one on, most on that side of the aisle would not.
The Democrats present have called them out for it.
We are outraged that nearly all of the incoming freshmen Republican legislators are not wearing masks during today’s new-member orientation. We call on Republican House and Senate leaders to enforce the public health rules they established that require all Capitol Annex visitors to wear masks. Except for two elected in February, everyone else at the orientation falls under that requirement. The room they are using has limited ventilation, and it is impossible to properly maintain social distancing. No responsible business in Kentucky would operate this way for fear of endangering the health of their employees and their customers.
We must do better. At a time when the Capitol remains closed to the public, when Kentucky is setting new COVID-related records on a daily basis, and when some of our hospitals are overflowing and treating patients in waiting rooms, we as legislators must set the right example. We should not needlessly be putting ourselves and our staff – and, by extension, our families and communities – at risk.
— House Democratic Caucus Leaders Joni Jenkins,
Derrick Graham and Angie Hatton
I was stunned to see most of my fellow incoming legislators not wearing masks, and I was saddened when none of them complied after being asked by LRC staff to wear one. I help care for a parent who is immunosuppressed, and by being in this room, I now have to stay away from him at least a week and be tested. This must not be allowed to continue when the General Assembly returns to the Capitol in January.”
– Rep. Rachel Roberts
As leaders in our communities, legislators are expected to set the right example and do all we can to protect those we serve. Unfortunately, I did not see that type of leadership today from many of my freshmen colleagues. Their decision not to wear masks puts too many of us at risk at a time when the virus’ spread is greater than ever. We must do better – Kentuckians are counting on us to do the right thing.
– Rep.-elect Pamela Stevenson
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