Oklahoma lawmakers praised the decision of the U.S, Supreme Court to strike down President Biden’s vaccine mandate for private employers but criticized the decision to keep it for healthcare workers.
Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, said, “I am pleased that today the Supreme Court has made the right decision in striking down the Biden Administration’s policy of forcing over 84 million Americans in private businesses to vaccinate against COVID-19. Federal government agencies have no constitutionally given right to force American businesses to test or vaccinate their employees.
“However, today the Supreme Court has also ruled that COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandates in healthcare facilities should be allowed. This ruling is disastrous and downright dangerous for rural Oklahomans. These mandates have already forced hundreds of Oklahoma healthcare heroes out of a career that they love. Many of these heroes lost their jobs and their livelihood. Now, Oklahoma healthcare facilities have increased costs from hiring travel or agency nurses because of staffing shortages. This is putting Oklahomans’ health at risk and is unacceptable.”
Last July, 20 members of the Oklahoma House sent a letter to Governor Kevin Stitt requesting he either draft an executive order or call a special session to stop mandates in healthcare facilities.
“That did not happen, so in this session, the legislature must take action to end medical tyranny and help us secure and protect our most basic human rights and civil liberties,” Roberts said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said, “Although vaccines are safe and effective, the decision to get a vaccine should remain up to individuals to decide. The Supreme Court was right to reject the Biden administration’s vaccine and testing mandate for large businesses. It clearly was a case of federal overreach. After this court win, I am more confident that the decision the state Senate made to put $10 million in funding toward the Attorney General’s Office was the right move to fight federal overreach.”