Statement From The Chair on Mask Mandates

Statement from Kelly Smith, Pasco DEC Chair, on Mask Mandates:

As the Chair of the Pasco County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC), I join other leaders throughout Florida in urging Pasco County Schools to initiate a mask mandate and offer parents an "opt-out" process that gives them the final say.

I also want to make it clear where I see the responsibility in this issue as it currently stands. Our governor has put our local decision-makers in a precarious position by issuing an unconstitutional executive order threatening to defund school districts that mandate masks. He has made it impossible for our Superintendent and School Board to perform their jobs of providing a safe and effective place for our students to learn. I support the efforts of Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried in working with White House COVID -19 Task Force and school district leaders to find an alternative funding source that allows mask mandates in districts where community leaders rely on data and science in making mask mandate decisions. It is not fair to ask school district leaders to jeopardize school funding because the governor chooses egotism over leadership.

As the parent of two students who are going back to brick-and-mortar school on Tuesday, I am extremely thankful that my children had the opportunity to get vaccinated. I empathize with the parents of younger students and those who can not get vaccinated as they struggle to make the best and safest choices for their families. The Pasco County Democratic Party is committed to serving the interests of all Floridians by working to make Governor DeSantis a one-term governor.

Kelly Smith, Chair