Senator Gallivan Votes to Repeal Several Executive Orders Issued by the Governor

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) voted to suspend several executive orders issued by the Governor related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While pleased by the unanimous vote in the Senate to repeal the orders, Senator Gallivan says the Legislature should have exercised its authority to do so months ago.

Among the executive orders repealed is the requirement that customers purchase food when ordering alcoholic beverages in a bar or restaurant.  

Senator Gallivan has repeatedly called on the state legislature to restore the balance of power related to the state's COVID-19 policies.  Earlier this year, he joined a lawsuit challenging the governor's so-called restaurant curfew, which required bars and restaurants to close at 10:00 P.M. 

“This action is long overdue,” Senator Gallivan said.  “As a co-equal branch of government, the Legislature has a responsibility to exercise checks and balances to ensure no one individual is allowed to overstep the authority of their office.  I urge my colleagues to review other executive orders, many of which appear arbitrary and not backed by scientific evidence, and take steps to repeal them.”

The Executive Order Directives acted on today include:

• Repeal of Sale of Food with Alcoholic Beverage Requirement: Food sales will no longer be required for alcoholic beverage sales in bars and restaurants. 

• Transparency for Individuals Assisting in COVID Operations: Individuals who volunteer to take on significant government work will be treated as Public Officers in order to comply with government disclosure and transparency rules.

• Timely and Accurate Administration of Vaccines: Outdated compliance rules for vaccine suppliers, such as full utilization of vaccines on hand within one week or additional paperwork mandates, will be relaxed. This repeal eliminates unnecessary penalties and prioritization rules that slow down the vaccination process and are no longer necessary. 

If approved by the State Assembly, the repeal of the executive orders would take effect immediately.

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