Protestors rally against Missouri health director

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Dozens of protestors gathered at the Missouri state today to protest the confirmation of the state’s new health director.

Donald Kauerauf was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson back in July and his services came in full effect on September 1st, 2021.

During the senate hearing, protesters chanted outside and held signs opposing Kauerauf.

During the senate hearing, Kauerauf was asked by members of the senate if he is in favor of masks and vaccine mandates. Kauerauf stated he is against mandates but encourages people to be vaccinated.

In the hearing, Kauerauf said, “It’s been clear from the beginning I’m against mandates, they don’t work and we shouldn’t recommend them.”

Kauerauf also stated he wants to see the state of Missouri to be 75% fully vaccinated.

In the past, he stated that he would like to see the state 100% fully vaccinated but he knows that is not possible.

Rally goers have questioned why Gov. Parson appointed Kauerauf

During the hearing, Gov. Parson released a statement supporting his decision to appoint Kauerauf saying "to set the record straight, Don is strongly pro-life and anti-abortion and against government mandating mask-wearing and COVID-19 vaccinations. Those were his views and beliefs when I appointed him, and they remain today.”

Demonstrators say they attended the rally because they don’t support Kauerauf pushing for in schools and that they are worried about their children.

Rebecca Rhodes says, "He is trying to push for our kids to be tested weekly when they are healthy, it makes no sense.”

The Senate did not vote today on the confirmation but the deadline for Kauerauf to be confirmed is by the of the week.

The state health department encourages everyone to get vaccinated and boosted to end the fight against COVID-19.

Check back for updates to this developing story.