Governor Laura Kelly went into greater detail pertaining to her newest executive orders for Kansas schools Monday.
Last week, Governor Kelly announced executive order 2058 which, if approved by the Kansas State Board of Education later this week, will delay the opening of Kansas schools until after the Labor Day Holiday weekend. Kelly says some exceptions will be made for students who are concurrently enrolled to receive college credits and enrollment of students may take place at K-12 school buildings.
While the governer awaits state board approval for executive order 2058, she stated she will not need approval for a second executive order also mentioned last week. The governor plans to sign executive order 2059 which will mandate face coverings for all students, staff, vendors and visitors for all public and private K-12 Kansas school buildings.
Before detailing her executive orders, Governor Kelly took time to address a “behind the scenes lobbying campaign” by Kansas Republicans against the governor’s executive order detailed in an Associated Press story over the past weekend. Kelly accused Republican leaders of downplaying or downright ignoring the threat presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She further stated Republicans have “used their platforms to promote politics instead of public health.”
Kelly stated she will continue to use all resources at her disposal to “protect Kansans” and keep the state’s economy moving forward regardless of potential “political pushback.” Kelly concluded her statements on the matter by asking all State Board of Education members to “put politics aside” as they prepare to vote on executive order 2058.
Governor Kelly’s next press conference is scheduled for 4 pm next Monday. You can listen to the conference in its entirety on KVOE 1400 am, 96.9 fm and KVOE.com.
