Protesters rally against Missouri’s new health director

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
The Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Protesters are railing against the confirmation of Missouri’s new health director over concerns that he’s overstepping in his approach to the coronavirus pandemic, even though he’s repeatedly said that he opposes government mandates. At least 100 protesters rallied Monday in the Missouri Capitol to urge senators to vote down Director Don Kauerauf’s appointment. Kauerauf says he doesn’t support government mandates on masks or vaccines. But he encourages people to wear masks and get vaccinated. Republican Gov. Mike Parson is defending his appointment. He repeated that Kauerauf opposes government mask and vaccine mandates, as Parson does.