EDDIE MAURO: IOWA GOV. KIM REYNOLDS IS THE ‘GRIM REAPER’
New Frontier Action held an event today calling on Governor Kim Reynolds, the Department of Inspections & Appeals, and the Iowa Legislature to institute a statewide mask requirement. The order would require the wearing of two-ply facial coverings (masks) by all people when indoors in a setting of two (2) or more people.
The requirement would apply to both public and private gatherings, but enforcement of the requirement in public areas would be handled by the Department of Inspections & Appeals, the Department of Public Health, and in partnership with local government and law enforcement. Violation of the order would be a simple misdemeanor and include fines for individual violations as well as risk of losing permits and licenses allowing businesses to operate.
“The community spread of COVID-19 is out of control,” said Des Moines business owner and New Frontier Action President Eddie Mauro. “Small businesses, bars, restaurants, and local retail have all been devastated. That’s not open for business - that’s put Iowa’s small businesses in hospice just waiting for the grim reaper,” Mauro continued.
Recent research out of Washington University in St. Louis has found that mask requirements have had a positive effect on GDP and consumer spending in states/localities that have implemented them. In addition to the economic benefits, the CDC, World Health Organization, and public health leaders across Iowa have said that a mask order would help contain community spread.
