Arizona politicians react to President Biden’s new COVID-19 vaccine plan

PHOENIX — President Joe Biden announced Thursday an extensive COVID-19 action plan that will affect as many as 100 million Americans.

Arizona politicians on both major political parties were quick to share their thoughts on the new federal vaccine requirements.

Republicans and Democrats turned to social media to discuss how they felt about the new plan Biden laid out, which will mandate all employers with over 100 workers to require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, as well as require all employees at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid to also be vaccinated.

Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, backed Biden’s plan, stating the president is “doing what needs to be done to beat COVID-19.”

This is leadership. President Biden is doing what needs to be done to beat COVID-19. No ifs, ands, or buts—there is no reason to not get the shot if you are eligible. https://t.co/JvtHMeM8aP

— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) September 9, 2021

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, also a Democrat, said the new mandate is “critical action” needed to fight the virus.

This is the critical action we need to appropriately fight this virus. It’s great to see strong leadership at a time when others have prioritized politics over science. Safety for every resident has & remains my top priority-this requirement will allow us to protect & save lives. https://t.co/NJHD38CqUn

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) September 9, 2021

Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, agreed with Biden’s decision.

“Vaccines are our best path to defeat this pandemic and keep our economy open. This is the right move to protect Arizonans and our economic recovery,” Hobbs said.

Democrat Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said a majority of Arizonans support the policies Biden laid out on Thursday.

The policies @POTUS announced today are broadly supported by a majority of Arizonans. Controlling the virus has always been the key to ensuring safe in-person learning. Enough political games – our focus must be on accelerating student learning and helping schools recover. https://t.co/5xHqldxbxH

— Kathy Hoffman (@kathyhoffman_az) September 9, 2021

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey denounced the plan, stating it “will never stand up in court.”

This is exactly the kind of big government overreach we have tried so hard to prevent in Arizona — now the Biden-Harris administration is hammering down on private businesses and individual freedoms in an unprecedented and dangerous way. This will never stand up in court. 1/2 https://t.co/FcSyR4DLwD

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) September 9, 2021

Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, said Biden is “taking federal overreach” and vowed to review his actions and take “all legal recourse to defend” Arizona’s sovereignty and the rights of Arizonans.

President Biden is now taking federal overreach to unheard of levels by dictating vaccine mandates for all private companies with over 100 people, federal contractors, and healthcare providers receiving federal dollars. (1/3)

— Mark Brnovich (@GeneralBrnovich) September 9, 2021

Republican Rep. Andy Biggs briefly shared his disapproval of the plan.

Biden, in case you forgot, you are President of the United States, not dictator for life.

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) September 9, 2021

Follow @suelenrivera