Gov. Kay Ivey issued a challenge to President Joe Biden on Friday over his remarks saying he would force state governors to accept his latest COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
At a press conference on Thursday, Biden announced that his administration would require businesses with more than 100 workers to mandate the vaccination of those employees.
While addressing the difficulty enforcing such a mandate, Biden said, “If these governors won’t help, I will use my powers as president and get them out of the way.”
Ivey published a response on social media daring Biden to take her on over the vaccine mandate coming down from Washington, D.C.
You bet I’m standing in the way. And if he thinks he’s going to move me out of the way, he’s got another thing coming. I’m standing as strong as a bull for Alabama against this outrageous Washington overreach. Bring it on. — KI #alpolitics https://t.co/sFT8cfgdjt
— Kay Ivey (@kayiveyforgov) September 10, 2021
Biden’s plan to mandate vaccinations has been universally panned among conservatives.
The Republican Governors Association held a call on Friday to discuss the mandate. Ivey released the following statement at its conclusion:
“A conference call with Republican governors just wrapped up. President Biden has overreached with these new mandates, and we’re united in fighting back. I’m partnering alongside my conservative colleagues across the country in this fight. This is a fight for businesses, our hardworking men and women, and our American liberties.
“I encourage Alabamians to take the vaccine – have been since the beginning, but we’re never going to mandate it. And we certainly aren’t going to allow Washington, D.C. and this president to tell Alabama what to do. Here in Alabama, we don’t put up with that nonsense.”
Senior White House advisor Cedric Richmond echoed Biden’s comments about governors during an interview on Thursday night.
Richmond stated that Biden will “run over” governors who oppose the implementation of the vaccine mandate.
It is estimated that the vaccine mandate could affect 100 million Americans. Businesses in non-compliance could face up to $14,000 in fines per violation.
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
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