Vaccine mandate exemptions move ahead in Lincoln

The fight over COVID-19 vaccines was in full throttle again today on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature.

A bill allowing workers to claim religious or health exemptions to vaccine mandates issued by their employers continues to move forward.

Lawmakers voting 36-2 today in favor of the measure but not before those for and against vaccine mandates gave their views of the data surrounding the shot.

Sen. Megan Hunt, Omaha (D): “But I can't stand by something that gives this special exemption to employers for this non- scientific based in nothing vaccine exemption that clearly puts other employees at risk.”

Sen. Steve Erdman, Bayard (R): “It's absolutely sure that those people that have been vaccinated are getting COVID even though they've been vaccinated and boosted and besides that those vaccines that are supposed to give you protection against COVID-19 on the Omicron are not effective at all.”

The original bill has been watered down a bit and no longer lets workers claim an exemption to the vaccine due to “strong moral, ethical, or philosophical” beliefs.

The bill must clear one more round of debate before heading to the governor for his signature—which is expected.