STATEHOUSE (Dec. 3, 2021) – Local lawmakers announced they are co-authoring legislation to help end the statewide public health emergency and protect Hoosier workers.
House Bill 1001 would allow Gov. Eric Holcomb's state public health emergency to expire by ensuring Indiana could continue receiving the same federal reimbursements for SNAP and Medicaid, and maintain the state's ability to hold voluntary community vaccination clinics. Holcomb recently announced that he will keep the state of emergency and the remaining, but limited, executive order in place until lawmakers take action in January.
"We now understand so much more about COVID-19 than we did when this pandemic hit," said State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury). "Hoosiers are ready to move forward and make their own health choices responsibly. I look forward to helping move this bill through the process quickly come January."
The legislation filed Monday at the Statehouse would also require businesses to accept medical and religious exemptions, if they require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.
"Medical decisions should always be up to the individual and their health-care provider, and a pandemic doesn't change this," said State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart). "As we move into the legislative session, I'll continue working with all members of our community to ensure workers' rights are protected."
"Over the past few months, we've seen incredible overreach by the federal government mandating vaccines in the workplace," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "At the very least, Hoosiers with medical or religious reasons for abstaining from the vaccine should have these exemptions honored by their employer, helping ensure their rights remain intact."
Local workers and business owners can continue reaching out to King at h49@iga.in.gov, Miller at h48@iga.in.gov and Wesco at h21@iga.in.gov with questions and comments, or by calling 1-800-382-9841.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on HB 1001, which will be considered during the 2022 legislative session kicking off in January.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
