STATEHOUSE (Dec. 1, 2021) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) announced today that she is 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.
Olthoff said 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.
"This proposal would strengthen the rights of individual workers throughout the state," Olthoff said. "I've heard from many constituents concerned about losing their jobs and listened to recent public testimony on these issues, and I look forward to helping move this bill through the process come January."
Olthoff encouraged local workers and business owners to continue reaching out to her with questions and comments at h19@iga.in.gov or by calling 317-234-9499.
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. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
