North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement after the New York Supreme Court struck down the statewide mask mandate on schools and public locations as unconstitutional and a violation of state law.

“Today’s ruling is a win for small businesses, parents, students, and the freedom of all New Yorkers,” Stefanik said. “From the beginning, I have been fighting against these unconstitutional mandates that are rooted in politics and not science. Governor Hochul’s authoritarian mandates were crushing New York small businesses that already have faced unprecedented challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. By forcing masks on the children in our schools, these mandates have impeded the development of our next generation. I am proud the New York Supreme Court overturned this unprecedented overreach of power and will continue to stand up for the freedom of New Yorkers.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Stefanik has opposed government mask mandates in public places and schools.