Rep. Vernon G. Smith disappointed by Republican efforts to undermine local health officials

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) today released the following statement regarding Republicans' decision to overturn Governor Holcomb's veto of Senate Enrolled Act 5, which goes into effect immediately:

“It's outrageous that Republicans feel they must take away control from local health officials and slow down our response to public health emergencies amid this deadly pandemic,” Smith said. “While they say they want less government and to empower local government to make their own decisions, their actions this session and previously with their supermajority have said otherwise. They prove to be true hypocrites.

“It seems Hoosiers are the ones who will be the casualties during the Republican infighting that has continued to occur in these past several months. We cannot wait for legislative approval every time a business wants to appeal a local health order – there are lives at risk every time the mask mandate is lifted and capacity limits are loosened.

“Against several expert opinions and even against their very own governor, Statehouse Republicans have made their point very clear: they would rather add on another unnecessary burden to local public health officials than give the locals the control they need to save lives and I find that deeply troubling.”