Meanwhile, Ducey (unsurprisingly) deflects responsibility for the climbing Arizona case count 

PHOENIX — Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced a six-pronged national strategy to combat COVID-19 cases across the country and utilize every available tool to save Arizona lives, keep our schools open, and protect our economic recovery.

No surprise to anyone, Republican Doug Ducey — the term-limited governor who continues to force incredibly unpopular and downright dangerous policies on Arizona families — disagreed with President Biden’s science-backed decision to attack the virus head-on and went so far as to threaten the Commander in Chief. In case you missed it: Ducey’s handling of the pandemic has been disastrous — over 19,000 Arizonans have died, more than one million people have been infected, and because of his recent ban on mask mandates, a state-wide surge is infecting vulnerable schoolchildren at devastating rates.

In sharp contrast to our tone-deaf governor, several Arizona leaders lauded President Biden for his decision that will ultimately save lives and end the pandemic once and for all. Here’s what they had to say: 

• Congressman Ruben Gallego: “This is leadership. President Biden is doing what needs to be done to beat COVID-19. No ifs, ands, or buts—there is no reason to not get the shot if you are eligible. For months, we’ve had a safe and effective vaccine available for free and in ample supply. The time to wait is over. Get the shot, get the booster when it becomes available, and together we will get through this pandemic.”

• Secretary of State Katie Hobbs: “Vaccines are our best path to defeat this pandemic and keep our economy open. This is the right move to protect Arizonans and our economic recovery.”

• Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman: “The policies @POTUS announced today are broadly supported by a majority of Arizonans. Controlling the virus has always been the key to ensuring safe in-person learning. Enough political games – our focus must be on accelerating student learning and helping schools recover.”

• Tucson Mayor Regina Romero: “Lives are on the line. Our economy and its recovery are on the line. Too much is on the line for us to just sit down and be afraid of those that are making the choice not to vaccinate.”

• Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego: “This is the critical action we need to appropriately fight this virus. It’s great to see strong leadership at a time when others have prioritized politics over science. Safety for every resident has & remains my top priority-this requirement will allow us to protect & save lives.”