Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Push For Vaccine Mandates From Big Labor Unions
The Wall Street Journal: Labor Groups Press For Biden’s Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate To Go Further
Three labor organizations are calling on the Biden administration to review its Covid-19 vaccine mandate, with some indicating the policy is too limited in applying to only large businesses. The AFL-CIO and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union filed a petition in federal court last week asking the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to review the new federal vaccine policy, which directs companies with 100 or more employees to require that workers either be vaccinated or get tested regularly for Covid-19 and wear masks. SEIU, Local 32BJ, which is a part of the larger Service Employees International Union, also filed a petition in federal court last week. (Prang, 11/15)
Politico: Pentagon: Oklahoma Guard Must Comply With Vaccine Mandate
The Pentagon's top spokesperson on Monday insisted Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had the authority to require National Guard members to get vaccinated against Covid-19, despite new resistance from Oklahoma's highest-ranking military official. "It is a lawful order for National Guardsmen to receive the Covid vaccine. It is a lawful order," Defense Department press secretary John Kirby told reporters at a news briefing. "Refusing to do that, absent an approved exemption, puts them in the same potential [for disciplinary action] as active-duty members who refuse the vaccine," he added. (Forgey, 11/15)
In moves on mandates across the states —
The New York Times: The Florida Legislature Kicks Off A Special Session To Pass Bills Curtailing Federal Covid Mandates
At the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has used his opposition to vaccine and mask mandates to build up his national political profile, Florida lawmakers kicked off a special legislative session on Monday to take up legislation aimed at restricting such measures. Mr. DeSantis, who is seen as a possible presidential candidate in 2024, has cast the session as a high-profile effort to counter the vaccination rules set by the Biden administration. (Mazzei, 11/15)
AP: Idaho Lawmakers Meet To Take On Federal Vaccine Requirements
Idaho lawmakers in a first-ever move in state history reconvened the Legislature on Monday after more than five months off to put forward about three dozen bills dealing with COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements. The House never formally adjourned and came back at the request of Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke. The Senate, though it did adjourn in May, also showed up. Normally, only the governor can summon lawmakers when they leave the Statehouse after adjourning. The Idaho attorney general’s office says the Legislature reconvening is likely legal, but it’s unprecedented and a court could decide otherwise, making any laws passed null. (Ridler, 11/16)
Houston Chronicle: Texas AG Ken Paxton Gets Grilled On Fox News Over 'Inconsistent' Vaccine Stances
Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton was put under pressure by Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace to explain his seemingly conflicting viewpoints that federal vaccine mandates are an overreach but bans on them adopted at the state level are fine. In his appearance on one of the network’s flagship political shows, Paxton also shied away from giving his opinion on the state's virtual abortion ban. (Goldenstein, 11/15)
A worker shortage is blamed on mandates —
San Francisco Chronicle: A Vaccine Mandate-Related Operator Shortage Has Muni Running Behind Schedule. Here's Which Lines Are Doing Worst
Just as more riders are returning to Muni, data from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency shows its service has become more unreliable in recent months. In May of 2020, Muni switched their operations from a schedule-based approach to a headway or frequency-based one for most of its serviced routes. This means that instead of measuring performance based on how well vehicles adhere to a schedule, it is now evaluated based on how evenly spaced vehicles are from each other. (Sumida, 11/15)
