(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa is joining nine states in a lawsuit over a vaccine mandate for workers employed by a federal contractor. Governor Kim Reynolds says the mandate would force thousands of Iowans to get a vaccine, against their wishes. President Joe Biden announced the mandate in February, which would also include employers of 100 or more employees.
“Today, I’m announcing that the State of Iowa is joining a federal lawsuit to challenge President Biden’s unprecedented use of the government to force every employee of every federal contractor in America, including thousands of Iowans, to take a vaccine against their wishes.
“I believe the vaccine is the best defense against COVID-19, but no one should be forced to choose between making a living or standing up for their personal beliefs. As long as am governor, the State of Iowa will always stand alongside Iowans and to be sure their freedoms are protected.
The other states suing include: Missouri, Nebraska, Alaska, Arkansas, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
The states are challenging the:
"...use of federal procurement statutes to create sweeping new power to issue decrees over large swaths of the U.S. economy and take over areas of traditional state power. "
President Biden announced the action September 9th, 2021. It mandates employees working for large private employers, the federal government, federal contractors, and health care entities be vaccinated against coronavirus. The White House expects the mandate to apply to over 80 million private sector workers.