Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) issued the following statement:                                          

“The governor’s decision to lift the mask or vaccine mandate for businesses is long overdue.  I hope it will allow businesses to return to normal operations.  However, I am disappointed that the mandate for schools and childcare centers remains in place. 

As I have said in the past, statewide mandates are not the answer.  We should ensure citizens are fully informed and allow them to make their own health decisions in consultation with their physician, as we do with other health related matters. 

Again, I urge my colleagues to support my proposed legislation, which would require such directives issued by an executive branch of government be approved by the respective legislative branch.  We must restore our system of checks and balances in our government.”       

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