Big news about vaccine mandates in today’s short Noble Report. I’m keeping it short. But sweet.
In early November, a panel of federal judges halted the Biden administration’s OSHA Rule mandate that all employers with 100 or more employees must require their employees to be vaccinated. Last week, two additional judges ordered a pause in the implementation of the vaccine mandates in three states, including a stay on the CMS Vaccine Mandate, which requires healthcare workers who provide Medicare and Medicaid services to be vaccinated. And just this Tuesday, a federal judge in Georgia temporarily halted Biden’s vaccine mandate for federal contractors nationwide. In his statement, the judge indicated that the President’s executive order "goes beyond the administration and management of procurement and contracting" and "operates as a regulation of public health." Judges across the nation seem to be coming to the same conclusion: the President doesn’t have the authority to issue these sort of regulations.
Wednesday afternoon, Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order including a Letter to Employers that was sent out by the Texas Workforce Commission. This Executive Order, and the attached letter is a big win for medical autonomy. It says that an employer must allow for exemptions, and a simple exemption form is attached to the letter. The two listed exemptions include “medical reasons including prior recovery from COVID-19” and “reasons of personal conscience or religious belief”. Failure of an employer to allow for either of these exemptions will most likely result in an unemployment claim against that employer. Wow.
This is wonderful news for the hundreds of constituents who have contacted my office. If you are an employee who is subjected to a vaccine mandate in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order, you are encouraged to reach out to the TWC at 800-929-6631, or by emailing vaccine_job_loss@twc.texas.gov. According to the letter, verified tips from employees who have been impacted by employer mandates will be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Till next time....
So honored to receive the 2021 Faith & Family Champion Award from Texas Values on Wednesday.
(Left) Allen Rotary Clubs did an outstanding job on Sunday afternoon's Christmas Parade.
(Right) Thank you First Baptist Wylie for a wonderful parade in downtown Wylie on Sunday night.
PS: I need your help more than ever. Will you give to my campaign?
