Legislation introduced by freshman state Rep. Adam Niemerg would permit school districts across Illinois to display the motto “In God We Trust” if they chose to. | Facebook.com/NiemergforStateRep
Legislation introduced by freshman state Rep. Adam Niemerg would permit school districts across Illinois to display the motto “In God We Trust” if they chose to. | Facebook.com/NiemergforStateRep
Cook County’s new vaccine passport mandate is drawing some heat with opponents pointing out that even vaccinated people can spread the COVID virus and a similar vaccine passport has failed in New York City.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is one of the lawmakers expressing skepticism over the effectiveness of mandates, noting that from the start of the pandemic he has requested the data being used to support the policies being implemented.
“It seems to me that if you are going to tell people they have to be vaccinated to go eat at a restaurant, you should have some data to back up such over-the-top measures,” Niemerg said. “Of course, no one ever provides the data because there isn’t any. The policy is not intended to promote public health – it is intended to punish people for not getting vaccinated.”
Niemerg, who noted that he doesn’t support the vaccine mandate, claims that results, science and data don’t matter, claiming that politics drive these decisions. He also is behind businesses making their own decisions when it comes to the mandate. A Chicago Tribune report noted that small businesses continue to struggle, with some citing mandates as a reason for their closure.
“I think we should encourage and support businesses willing to take a stand against onerous regulations and mandates,” he said.
Niemerg said he is worried that the mandate could drive people away from Illinois, noting that he is always concerned about the potential impact of policies on the future of the state. A WXAN report also noted that Illinois continues to lose population.
“We need convention and tourism dollars to help prop up the hospitality industry,” he explained. “It makes no sense to give people reasons to skip Illinois in their travel plans.”
According to a CBS Chicago report, a mandate issued by Mayor Lori Lightfoot would require businesses, including bars, gyms, eateries and theaters to request proof of vaccination. Anyone over 16 would be required to show identification.
Niemerg also said he expects mandates imposed by Lightfoot to be challenged in court. He added that the mandates put businesses in a difficult position. Vaccine mandates also are being criticized, with the Deseret News, citing CDC data, reported that vaccinated people can pass the omicron variant.
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