Sen. Williams: Vaccine mandates and calling a special session
Nebraska State Senator, Dist. 36 (Formerly Custer, Dawson and northern Dawson Counties. Now Sarpy County) Oct. 22, 2021
Greetings residents of Dawson, Custer and northern Buffalo Counties. There has been lots of discussion recently about federal vaccine mandates related to COVID-19. COVID-19 continues to affect every one of us in our daily lives. Healthcare workers, teachers, business owners, and employees across our country have all had to make adjustments to their daily activities. I applaud our healthcare industry for coming up with a fully FDA approved vaccine in a very short period of time. It is clear the vaccine is the best line of defense for the continued outbreak and spread of COVID-19. I encourage everyone to make the choice to be vaccinated.
The recent Presidential executive order addressing COVID-19 vaccine mandates raises significant concerns. In Nebraska, it has prompted a call for a special session of the Legislature. I stand in opposition to the Executive Order. I also stand in opposition to a state mandate banning employers from instituting vaccine requirements. I believe mandates, either requiring or banning COVID-19 vaccines, from either the State or Federal government is bad public policy.
Legal scholars state that under the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution, federal law supersedes state law. If the Legislature were to pass legislation that conflicts with federal law, we would put our businesses between a rock and a hard place by forcing companies to choose between ignoring state law or ignoring federal law. This dilemma would place significant liabilities on our business community. I believe employers are best suited to decide how to protect their employees and customers and that businesses need to be given the freedom to make those decisions without government interference.
The rules implementing an executive order have not been released nor have the flurry of lawsuits filed been settled to determine the legality of the far reaching Presidential Order. Therefore, it is impossible for the Nebraska Legislature to craft a suitable State response.
The reality is, passing legislation in Nebraska, at this time, will certainly have no effect. Furthermore, it is widely known, and confirmed by the Governor, that there are not 33 votes to convene a special session, and my vote does not tip the scale. Calling for a special session, knowing there are not enough votes only serves to raise false hope, and to do so just to score political points is wrong.
During this time of transition following redistricting, which changed the boundaries for nearly every legislative district, I feel it important to continue to engage with the people who I’ve represented for the past seven years. As always, feel free to contact me anytime at 402-471-2642 or mwilliams@leg.ne.gov. Thanks again for your continued support.