State Rep. Shipley hosting forum on state-imposed mask guidelines

Iowa Rep. Jeff Shipley (R-Birmingham) will host a forum Thursday to discuss the recently approved state-imposed mask guidelines that prevent schools and local governments from requiring masks.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Phoenix Rising Hall in Fairfield, 207 W. Burlington Ave. It will be livestreamed at: facebook.com/peaceloveiowa/live and shown over Zoom.

Shipley said in a news release the purpose of the forum is to discuss House File 847, which Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Thursday, May 20.

“The passage of this bill caused many to rejoice, but also prompted fear, anxiety, and intense negative feelings for those who opposed it’s passage,” Shipley said.

Shipley said he hopes the forum will “harmonize and soften the intense bitter and antagonistic feelings members of the public have on both sides of this issue.”

The public is invited to participate. Relevant stakeholders in schools (such as staff, students and parents), cities, counties and local health officials will be given priority in a roundtable discussion.

Any parent, teacher or student, who wishes to be considered a relevant stakeholder for this discussion can email jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov and/or use the Zoom registration link to ensure their opinions are prioritized.

Zoom link registration for participant stakeholders: https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYud-yhpjgrHtYbrzuf79ZrxeQ8Md3zRIY2