JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon today announced a two-pronged plan to combat what he called “the federal overreach of the Biden Administration in proposing to mandate vaccinations.”
The governor’s actions include activating the state attorney general in preparation for legal pushback, as well as potentially calling for a special session of the Legislature in order to introduce bills designed to combat federal mandates.
The first step involves the Attorney General preparing for legal action to stop the Biden-announced vaccine mandate for private employers. Although the details of this proposed new federal requirement are not yet released, it is important that Wyoming be ready to respond promptly and forcefully when it is issued.
“We cannot sit on our hands just watching this egregious example of federal government overreach,” Gordon said. “We are already communicating with other governors and states to prepare legal options once emergency standards are issued.”
Governor Gordon also indicated the second part of this strategy involves initial discussions with legislative leadership regarding the potential for a very focused and limited special session of the Legislature. Should the need arise, a special session could occur as soon as October and would be solely devoted to a small number of bills aimed at addressing overreach with regard to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
“I thank the Legislature and the people of Wyoming for the trust they have put in me,” Gordon added. “Wyoming is a conservative state with a constitution designed to constrain the actions of government, so special sessions are meant to be very rare. They cost taxpayer money, so they should never be frivolous. That is why legislative leadership and I will work together to ensure any potential special session held to respond to vaccine mandates will be focused, effective, and efficient.”
The Biden Administration has yet to issue new emergency standards for vaccine mandates. Those are expected to be issued in the coming weeks by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Currently Wyoming runs a State Plan OSHA Program, which allows the State to manage and retain OSHA enforcement. If the state does not enforce the Biden Administration’s temporary standard, Wyoming’s ability to administer the program could be jeopardized.
“This is not a fire, ready, aim moment. We must be smart, thoughtful, and effective in the way we respond to these overreaching efforts by the Biden Administration. Responding prematurely is not in the best interests of Wyoming’s citizens or employers,” Gordon said.
The governor appears to have the support of Wyoming lawmakers. Senate President Dan Dockstader said, “This matter should not go unanswered. We should explore every option. As we learn more about the specifics associated with these federal standards and vaccine mandates in general, we can properly coordinate our response.”
Speaker of the House Eric Barlow added, “I am committed to working with my legislative colleagues and the governor to ensure that as we consider a special session we are well-informed on the issues, judicious in our approach and the policy outcomes serve us well.”
U.S. Senator John Barrasso, who has a front row seat to the Biden Administration and its policies, commented on Fox News recently, “In just eight months of Democrats controlling the White House and Congress, America has veered from calamity to calamity. It’s clear the Democrats specialize in creating chaos.”
