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're ready to take action to get Indiana out of this state of emergency, without jeopardizing support many vulnerable Hoosiers rely on," said State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger). "A lot has changed since COVID-19 first hit our state, and we now we know how to better protect ourselves and options for treatment."
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.
"I've heard concerns from countless members of our community regarding vaccination requirements, and it's clear something must be done," said State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend). "While we know the vast majority of employers are acting in good faith and accepting their worker's vaccine exemptions, taking these steps will help strengthen these protections for all Hoosiers."
"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 DeVon at h5@iga.in.gov, Teshka at h7@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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph 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.
