STATEHOUSE (Nov. 30, 2021) – Vigo County legislators announced they're co-authoring legislation to help end the statewide public health emergency and protect Hoosier workers.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) said 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 are working to responsibly end this state of emergency while maintaining specific policies from the executive order that continue to help our most vulnerable," Heaton said. "I also remain committed to strengthening Hoosiers' rights and medical freedoms."
State Reps. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) 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.
"Individuals with medical exemptions and deeply held religious beliefs should not have to choose between taking a vaccine and keeping a job," Morrison said. "After hearing from employers and business owners throughout the state, we're working to protect individual rights, and expanding the list of government entities that can't mandate vaccines or ask for vaccination status to include state universities."
"Hoosier voices are being heard loud and clear on this issue, and we'll continue fighting back against federal overreach while protecting our state's workers," Borders said.
Local workers and business owners can continue reaching out to Heaton at h46@iga.in.gov, Morrison at h42@iga.in.gov and Borders at h45@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. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Vermillion County and portions of Clay,
Fountain, Parke, Vigo and Warren counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Sullivan County and portions of
Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
