Newhouse Accuses Inslee of Discouraging COVID-19 Vaccinations

4th District Representative Dan Newhouse spoke out Friday against Governor Jay Inslee's recent announcements regarding masking in schools and while in public.

Newhouse says Inslee's mandate that everyone within K-12 schools must wear a mask, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, undermines public trust in the efficacy of the vaccine.

"I just saw this morning a poster that said 'Get your life back. Get the vaccine and you wont have to wear a mask.' Well apparently that's old news," stated Newhouse.

The Sunnyside Republican added that Inslee's backtracking on masking eliminates a major incentive, or 'carrot', to get the shot.

"If Inslee truly wants to prevent the spread of this virus, he should stop backtracking on the progress we've made and discouraging hesitant Washingtonians from protecting themselves against COVID-19," Newhouse continued.

Washington State has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, with over 57% of the population fully vaccinated, exceeding the national average of just under 50%.