BREAKING: Gov. Little and State of Idaho to “explore legal action” against Pres. Biden’s new vaccine plans

The Biden Administration announced its plan to further combat COVID-19 as cases continue to surge among the unvaccinated. 

On Thursday, Sept. 9. Idaho Gov. Brad Little responded on Friday with plans to pursue legal action against the rule, along with multiple other Republican governors.

Mike Sharp, the director of media relations for Boise State, commented on Boise State’s current status under these new plans.

“We don’t fall under that provision of the rules, but may fall under other provisions of the rules or executive order,” Sharp wrote in response to The Arbiter. “Because neither have been formally issued, we cannot fully assess yet.”

The Biden Administration’s new plan is “a six-pronged, comprehensive national strategy that employs the same science-based approach that was used to successfully combat previous variants of COVID-19 earlier this year.”

As part of the plan, the Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) is working on a rule that would require employers — including private employers — who employ 100 or more people to mandate the vaccine or weekly testing. 

OSHA is also developing a rule that would require employers to give paid time off to employees who choose to get vaccinated.

Gov. Little’s press release in response stated that the State of Idaho is pursuing legal action against Biden’s “unprecedented government overreach into the private sector.”

Gov. Little expressed concern over the president’s address and felt that this proposed regulation will add to the divisiveness in the country. He did, however,  encourage Idahoans to get the vaccine.

“I still urge Idahoans to choose to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine and other ways to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 so our kids can stay in school and for the continued health and prosperity of the people of Idaho,” Little wrote.

Pres. Biden has signed two Executive Orders pertaining to vaccinations. One would require federal employees to get vaccinated and another one requires employees of contractors who engage in business with the federal government to get vaccinated as well.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is also moving to require COVID-19 vaccines for hospitals and healthcare settings that receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

Biden has also called on large entertainment venues to require vaccinations, as well as for governors to mandate it for schools.

The Arbiter will continue to report on how Pres. Biden’s and Gov. Little’s actions will impact Boise State and its employees.