By Wednesday, 55,750 Texans had died as a result of COVID-19 and a sharp increase has occurred over the past few weeks. Hospitals are overrun, nurses forced to treat the dying and watching their patients take their last labored breath are exhausted and overworked, and the governor announced that he has also contracted the virus.
Bexar County’s mask mandate in public schools can remain in effect, judge rules as challenges to Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban continue https://t.co/povZNoV1Go
— DrProfessor #Antiracist #RBG #ReclaimingPatriotism (@HeideggerFan) August 20, 2021
That same governor, Republican Greg Abbott, has pushed against safety measures to keep people from getting sick and dying. However, he won’t be able to ban mask mandates in Texas school districts, or at least now for now. Abbott lost a case in court on Wednesday when State District Judge Jan Soifer decided that the governor does not have the power to withhold funding or levy punishments for school districts mandating masks during a global pandemic.
According to The Texas Tribune:
‘The Supreme Court’s order Thursday temporarily allows school districts to require face coverings because it leaves in place previous temporary restraining orders issued by a Travis County judge, whom Paxton wanted the high court to overrule. Justices cited a provision that typically requires matters to go to an appellate court before it reaches the state’s highest civil court.’
NEW: A group of disabled students have sued to overturn @GregAbbott_TX's ban on mask mandates, saying it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Here's the lawsuit: https://t.co/4wYSwPgrdG pic.twitter.com/y3lGT5osPF
— Matt Largey (@mattlargey) August 18, 2021
Although the case will move on to the next courtroom, an appellate court, should Abbott appeal the ruling, it gives those trying to stop the spread of the virus some hope for future cases. Other right-wing governors, including Brian Kemp of Georgia, Ron DeSantis of Florida, and Doug Ducey of Arizona have also issued their own orders that work only to keep the virus circulating, mutating, and killing Americans.
‘State District Judge Jan Soifer issued temporary restraining orders against Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on mask mandates, clearing the way for Harris County and eight school districts to enact their own mask-wearing rules. Soifer also barred Abbott from enforcing his order “against Texas independent school districts.” Abbott, who is vaccinated, tested positive for the coronavirus Tuesday but is not experiencing any symptoms.’
Greg Abbott threatens to cut off public funds for any company that dares to ask that customers be vaccinated.
Meanwhile… https://t.co/5K8hwuKC0p
— Christian Vanderbrouk (@UrbanAchievr) August 25, 2021
However, the ruling has not stopped Abbott from putting his own political aspirations ahead of the lives of Texans he represented. On the same day that Abbott lost another fight over mask mandates, he issued an order banning workplaces from requiring proof of vaccine from their employees.
‘Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday reissued his ban on Covid vaccine mandates by any state or local government entity, just days after Pfizer’s shot was granted full approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.’
Gov. Greg Abbott bans Covid vaccine mandates in Texas, regardless of FDA approval status https://t.co/pEVIv81IAP
— POLITICO Pro (@POLITICOPro) August 25, 2021
