MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – A local lawmaker is optimistic that legislation regarding personal decisions to get vaccines and freedom to worship will receive the governor’s signature.
State Senator Andre Jacque says citizens have a fundamental right to expect their freedoms will be respected by government officials at all levels.
“Very basic constitutional protections that we’re looking to make sure are enshrined in state law,” Jacque told WTAQ News. “I think it comes down to not using the heavy hand of government, but actual communication and trust with the public.”
One of the bills is Assembly Bill 23/Senate Bill 4, which demands respect for vaccination decision-making. It would ensure that Public Health Officers and the Department of Health Services cannot require vaccinations or proof of vaccination for COVID-19.
In a press release, Jacque cited a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll showed that over 60% of Americans polled did not believe their state should require that people get vaccinated before returning to work or school, much less forcing the general public. He also pointed to European Union-funded research that countries where vaccination is mandatory do not usually reach better coverage than neighbor or similar countries where there is no legal obligation.
“You are talking about a personal medical decisions and making sure that people are not going to be subject to discrimination on that basis. That is something that is not based on government coercion, but on communication in terms of people making their own decisions based on what they feel is best for themselves,” Jacque explained. “I’m not anti vaccination by any means, but there are certainly a number of constituents that have brought up a number of individual circumstances as to why it would not be in their best interest to do so.”
Another bill heading to the governor’s desk is Assembly Bill 24/Senate Bill 7, which aims to protect freedom to assemble and worship. Jacque says with the mental health issues that arose over the past year, people needed to maintain social ties and support – and that was cut off by church closures.
“The restrictions that we have placed on religion are directly in violation, I believe, of the state and federal constitutions, the first amendment in particular,” Jacque said. “Government shutting down their ability to pastor to their people. It’s deeply concerning and this is something that we can offer assurance to constituents that it’s not going to happen again.”
Jacque said DHS has claimed that they have no intention of mandating the vaccine or closing churches again, but the bills would provide reassurance to the public – and there’s no reason the governor shouldn’t be willing to sign on.
“You have a fairly broad authority that’s been claimed by the executive branch to be able to essentially usurp peoples freedoms,” Jacque said. “Eliminate part of this double standard that was allowing for the governor to, essentially for political purposes, offer protection for some entities versus others.”
Jacque hopes Evers will quickly sign the bills into law.
