Edict would impact tens of millions of workers across U.S.

State Rep. Bob Bezotte, of Marion Township, today said he is fighting against President Joe Biden’s decision to force workers in numerous sectors to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Those who work at companies with 100 or more employees in Michigan will need to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022 or get tested for the virus weekly, under the administration’s order.

“I believe taking the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal medical decision for people and families. This mandate negatively impacts Michigan workers, local job providers and the intrinsic personal freedoms we all hold so dear,” Bezotte said. “I am planning to be a part of a multifaceted approach to fight the president’s misguided actions. Bullying people into this by threatening to lay them off is not the right approach.”

Bezotte said the Legislature will join a federal lawsuit with state attorney generals across the country. The group will urge federal courts to block Biden’s mandate, arguing that it violates federal law and is constitutes a massive overreach of federal power. The Michigan House also is planning preventative measures for when the state chooses to pursue the federal rules and the state level.

Bezotte also said he expects the House Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to hold hearings on the issue as the Biden mandate relates to rule-making which should go through the formal legislative review process.

“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has disregarded the law during COVID-19 by using unilateral emergency rules to avoid the committee and legislative process,” Bezotte said. “It is important for that process to be adhered to this time. A vaccine requirement for private businesses is completely unprecedented, and there are serious legal questions about whether government has the authority to execute these measures. I fully support these important legal efforts to protect our individual rights and freedoms, and I will be staying on top of this issue for people across Livingston County going forward.”