Full Story

****************

State Sen. Fred Thomas, R-Stevensville, Montana ‘Mask-wearing is a hoax to push gov’t compliance’

 

****************

Coronavirus cases would dwindle if 80% of Americans wore masks, says study

****************

Remote Montana legislative session possible due to virus

Montana’s legislative leaders met Tuesday by video conference to debate the return of in-person committee meetings and how lawmakers might hold a remote legislative session next year — if the coronavirus makes that necessary.

Beginning this week, interim committees are permitted to choose between remote and in-person meetings. Lawmakers who prefer not to attend in-person meetings can continue attending meetings remotely, according to the new regulations.

Rep. Kim Abbott, D-Helena, proposed requiring participants to wear masks during meetings held in the Capitol. The vote failed after a tie, with all six Democrats voting in favor of the motion, and all six Republicans opposed.

Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas, R-Stevensville, said that mask wearing in public settings, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control to prevent transmission of the virus, is “a hoax to push government compliance.”