Common sense prevails for now as GiaQuinta comments on the decision not to reconvene on Monday, Nov. 29

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Republicans announced today that the unorthodox legislative proceeding would end with the Indiana General Assembly no longer planning to reconvene on Nov. 29. Last week, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) and House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) began rushing efforts to pass legislation that would restrict the abilities of employers, schools and universities to protect Hoosier communities.

The House and Senate Committees on Legislative Rules and Procedures met yesterday (Nov. 23) to hear testimony on a proposal that would drastically change Indiana's vaccination policy and protect federal benefits if Governor Holcomb declines to extend the public health emergency. Today, Republican leadership canceled Monday’s session to vote on the legislation.

Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) had the following remarks: 

“Countless hours of testimony proved that Republicans’ politically-motivated eagerness to pass sweeping policy outside of normal processes and procedures was premature,” GiaQuinta said.

“The Rules Committee was warned from business leaders, doctors and members of the workforce that the proposal would not only risk countless lives, but hinder the freedoms of our state’s businesses, health care institutions and schools to make personalized health and safety decisions. 

“This delay was the right thing to do and it is a good day when common sense prevails. Legislators and other Hoosier stakeholders deserved more time to deliberate such impactful measures. I applaud Governor Holcomb’s decision to extend the public health emergency and look forward to more productive and sensible conversations with my colleagues across the aisle.”