(Mark Pellin, Headline USA) In the latest victory for freedom over oppressive government overreach, a New York state Supreme Court judge scuttled as unconstitutional the mask mandate for schools and public locations that had been decreed by leftist Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“There can be no question that every person in this State wishes, wants and prays that this era of COVID ends soon and they will surely do their part to see that is accomplished,” Judge Thomas Rademaker said in the ruling.
“However, enacting any laws to this end is entrusted solely to the State Legislature. While the intentions of Commissioner Bassett and Governor Hochul appear to be well aimed squarely at doing what they believe is right to protect the citizens of New York State, they must take their case to the State Legislature.”
In the wake of the ruling, Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., who is running to replace Hochul as governor, jumped on Twitter to applaud the judge for good commonsense and thrash Hochul for having none of the same.
?NOW: NY Supreme Court just STRUCK DOWN Hochul Admin’s statewide mask mandate. Honored to have fought with small biz owners, parents, electeds like @NassauExec & many more for common sense, freedom & science. New Yorkers know best despite the Gov’s “Hochul knows best” arrogance. pic.twitter.com/GJpgORXMvm
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) January 24, 2022
Hochul, in typical leftist arrogance, double-downed on her despotic reign’s unbridled authority.
“My responsibility as Governor is to protect New Yorkers throughout this public health crisis, and these measures help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” Hochul said in a statement, according to National Review.
“We strongly disagree with this ruling,” Hochul huffed, “and we are pursuing every option to reverse this immediately.”
Any effort to revive the deadened mandate will likely be met with fierce opposition.
The ruling came just weeks after Nassau County’s newly sworn-in Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued an order allowing school districts to decide whether to institute mask mandates, in defiance of Hochul’s order.
“This is a major win for students and parents,” Blakeman tweeted.
BREAKING: A NYS Supreme Court Judge has ruled that the Governor’s mask mandate is illegal. The Governor and State Education Department have NO authority to enforce this mandate without the approval of State lawmakers. This is a major win for students & parents.
— Bruce Blakeman (@NassauExec) January 24, 2022
