STATEHOUSE (Dec. 1, 2021) – State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) said today he co-authored legislation to finally end the statewide public health emergency, and protect Hoosier workers from arbitrary and crippling vaccine mandates.
House Bill 1001 would help terminate Gov. Eric Holcomb's state public health emergency while 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. Jeter said he has continued to fight to end the state of emergency for over a year.
Jeter said Indiana needs to end the state of emergency, restore the balance of power, and allow businesses and schools to operate freely.
"To remain in a state of emergency for nearly two years has harmed our workers, businesses and students," Jeter said. "It's also done immeasurable damage to our separation of powers and has eroded the power of the legislative branch."
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.
Jeter said he was dissatisfied that the bill would not be passed into law this month, as previously planned.
"I'm disappointed that the General Assembly is not moving more quickly to protect workers from termination simply for wanting to make their own healthcare decisions," Jeter said. “We're seeing a curtail of individual liberties like we've not seen in this country in a long time."
Local workers and business owners can continue reaching out to Jeter at h88@iga.in.gov with questions and comments, or by calling his office at 317-234-3827.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
