(Tallahassee/NSF/October 21, 2021) — Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday called for a special legislative session next month to push back against White House attempts to require workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The exact dates of the special session are not yet known; however, lawmakers are scheduled to be in Tallahassee for committee meetings the weeks of November 1st, 15th and 29th.
The governor wants legislation passed to make it illegal for governments to mandate vaccines for government employees, to make those fired for refusing an employer-required COVID-19 vaccine to be eligible for reemployment assistance and to say employees would be eligible for workers’ comp coverage if they get sick because of employer-related vaccinations.
DeSantis says the state can’t wait until the 2022 legislative session, which begins in January, to “strengthen” state laws.
“We want to make it clear that, in Florida, your right to earn a living is not contingent upon whatever choices you are making in terms of these injections.”
Democrats, including State Representative Anna Eskamani immediately blasted DeSantis’ announcement, calling it a political ploy.
“The fact that Governor DeSantis is going to be spending public money and time on a politically motivated agenda to boost his own campaign aspirations is disappointing and sad.”
DeSantis’ proposal also seeks to allow fired workers to sue employers that fail to provide notices of religious and health exemptions and give more protections to parents who disagree with school districts regarding coronavirus restrictions.
(From The News Service of Florida)