Now facing multiple lawsuits, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is under growing pressure to retreat from his executive order that prohibits local entities, including public school districts, from implementing their own mandates related to COVID-19, including mask requirements.
After Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins filed legal action to block the governor's order on Monday, officials in San Antonio and Bexar County announced their own lawsuit against Abbott Tuesday.
The local officials are demanding the governor hand over control of COVID mandates.
Both the Dallas ISD and Austin ISD simply chose to defy the governor and require the wearing of masks on all campuses in their districts.
University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus said the situation has grown very complicated for the Republican governor.
Rottinghaus also provided new analysis on the quorum-busting Texas House Democrats as he spoke with KRLD's Chris Sommer (listen above).
UPDATE: The office of Governor Greg Abbott has provided the following statement:
“The assertion that the Governor of the State of Texas doesn’t have the authority to protect the rights and freedoms of Texans is just plain misguided. Under Chapter 418, the Governor has full authority to issue executive orders that have the full force and effect of law in response to a disaster. This health disaster has continued to change, and so should our response. Texans have learned and mastered over the past year the safe practices to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID, and do not need the government to tell them how to do so.
Removing government mandates, however, does not end personal responsibility or the importance of caring for family members, friends, and your community. Vaccines are the most effective defense against contracting COVID and becoming seriously ill, and we continue to urge all eligible Texans to get the vaccine. The COVID vaccine will always remain voluntary and never forced in Texas.”
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