Richardson Statement on COVID-19 Vaccinations

State Representative Tracy Richardson today issued the following statement on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations:

“The matter of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination is extremely important. I strongly oppose any government mandated COVID-19 vaccination. Protecting the rights of Ohioans on this matter is complex. Policy making is the ability to work with others to find solutions when there is no clear agreement. We must do our best to get a bill passed into law that will uphold the freedom of Ohioans.

“Some have asked me about a discharge petition. While I have not ruled it out, I am extremely concerned that if the bill were discharged, it would completely fail and would be voted down. I believe this for a number of reasons. The most compelling reason is that the bill was amended by six pages in Health Committee already. The discharge would bring the original (without amendments) version of the bill to the floor creating far more political posturing than productivity in getting the bill passed. Quite frankly, I predict the bill would fail to become law and I don't want that to happen.  

“I believe the path forward is the creation of strong exemptions for COVID19 including personal as well as an exemption for anyone who tests with immunities. No student in Ohio should be mandated to COVID-19 vaccinate and no Ohioan should be terminated on the grounds of failure to take a COVID-19 vaccine. In the last month, I have drafted two amendments addressing these recommendations and I've been working with other legislators and House leadership to move forward with these ideas. I will persevere in working with a variety of thoughts and opinions and in some cases misunderstanding to get a bill to the floor that will pass. We need new law that will have a positive impact for Ohioans.  

“The matter is urgent for many struggling with this issue and I will continue to do my best to expedite the process. To win a war, we must win battles first. We need to have a victory for freedom.”