Lawmakers object to vaccine requirements

Several Treasure Valley lawmakers are speaking out after the announcement of vaccination requirements by some Idaho employers.

Last week, Saint Alphonsus, St. Luke’s and Primary Health all announced they would require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or risk termination.

Representative Bruce Skaug, a Republican from Nampa, joined 5 other Senators and Representatives in Districts 12 and 13 in issuing a statement Monday, which read:

“Most employers are choosing to inform and educate employees regarding Covid vaccines. However, some Idaho employers have recently threatened employees with job loss if they refuse the Covid shots. We believe the right to refuse invasive medical procedures, including vaccinations, is paramount to the interests of the employers, employees, and freedoms of the individual in almost all situations. We will support legislation to properly protect the physical freedoms of Idaho employees from mandatory Covid vaccinations.”

Along with Representative Skaug, the statement was signed by Senator Todd Lakey and Representative Rick Youngblood, also of District 12, as well as Senator Jeff Agenbroad, and Representatives Brent Crane and Ben Adams of District 13.