SE Illinois News

State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis) has little tolerance for the message he sees coming from Springfield on the COVID-19 front.

“I think we’re at a point in time where we can start lifting these ordinances in a wholesale fashion and people have to take precaution based on their individual risks and decide whether or not they’re going to avoid crowds or wear masks based on the circumstance,” Niemerg said in a recent House floor speech where he called for an end to mask wearing among lawmakers in session.

“We're standing in this chamber today where every one of us has had the chance to receive the vaccine,” he added. “Why are we here wearing masks pretending there’s a risk when we know there is not. If the vaccine is effective and we want people to take the vaccine then what are we doing in this chamber wearing masks?”

Going forward, Niemerg said he plans to do everything in his power to put an end to it, including co-sponsoring a bill that would outlaw the practice.

“I’m introducing a bill with chief cosponsor Blaine Wilhour to end the mask requirement within this chamber,” he added. “We are at little risk of COVID-19 on this floor. If we want our constituents to understand the importance of vaccines, we have to end this policy.”

Over time, Niemerg said he also plans to introduce a bill that would also end mask requirements in schools.

“We need to be an example to our children that we no longer need to fear each other,” he said. “Before we leave Springfield, mask mandates need to go.”

 House Bill 4080, the measure co-sponsored by Niemerg and Wilhour, seeks to amend the General Assembly Operations Act by providing that “the wearing of masks shall not be required for any member of the House of Representatives, or the staff thereof, while present on the floor of the House of Representatives.” In addition, it stipulates that “any such rule or provision of law mandating the wearing of masks on the floor of the House of Representatives is void.”

Niemerg seems convinced such action is long overdue.

“The science has been compromised by the political interests of powerful special interests to the detriment of our children,” he added. “We know children are at little risk of spreading COVID; we know kids need to be back in school. It is time to reopen the schools and end the mask mandate. Let’s base our decisions on real science, not the political propaganda which has infiltrated and disrupted every sector of our society over the past year.”

Niemerg’s push comes as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced updated masking guidelines that establish individuals who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks indoors.  

Government officials added, for the most part, fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks outdoors, even in crowded spaces.

Health experts say the new CDC guidelines may encourage more people to get vaccinated by enticing them with prospect of life being able to return normal sooner rather than later.