Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C,I-Lafayette) was infuriated to hear the news that Gov. Kathy Hochul passed yet another extension for New York’s COVID-19 Disaster Emergency executive order. Originally expiring yesterday on June 14, Gov. Hochul has cited a very slight rise in COVID-19 cases spreading to justify this month-long extension. Lemondes sees the move as ‘an act of political theater.’

“Two years since the pandemic began, and since then our state is almost 75% fully vaccinated and beginning the long road to economic and social recovery. Why are we being stifled with yet another emergency order?” Lemondes said. “This unregulated executive made a decision that impacts us all, despite statewide cases not even reaching beyond 2,000 people. New Yorkers have been responsible and diligent, yet another punishment is brought on to them by the executive branch.”