Idaho Gov. Little repeals mask mandate ban, slams lieutenant governor for ‘irresponsible abuse of power’ | ktvb.com

BOISE, Idaho Idaho Gov. Brad Little repealed an executive order banning mask mandates across the state Friday morning, 24 hours after Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin issued the surprise action while the governor was out of town.

In a statement, Little slammed McGeachin issuing the executive order as “an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt” that subverted the decisions of local officials and the people of Idaho.

McGeachin was serving as acting governor when she issued the order banning mask mandates statewide among state political entities, including schools. The order went into effect at 11 a.m. Thursday, catching districts by surprise in the middle of the school day.

Little, who had left Idaho to travel to the Republican Governors Association conference, said he was not informed about the executive order ahead of time. McGeachin is running against Little in the upcoming governor’s race.

In his statement, Little accused McGeachin of making a politically motivated power grab to strip decision-making authority from mayors, school board members, and other local officials. 

via www.ktvb.com