The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has renewed its fight against government overreach as lawmakers work to advance legislation to mandate workplace vaccination policies.
This week, the Missouri Chamber testified in opposition to two anti-business proposals that would give state government the power to undermine vaccination policies set by private employers.
The various bills under consideration in Jefferson City contain a range of ideas. One proposal from Rep. Mitch Boggs (R-LaRussell), HB 336, would allow workers to sue over vaccination requirements and open employers up to potential lawsuits. HB 700, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hardwick (R-Waynesville), would require private employers to provide exemptions to any vaccination requirements. Public employers would be forbidden from requiring a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Missouri Chamber is leading the effort to oppose this legislation and standing up against efforts by state government to determine workplace vaccination policy.
Our position is simple: Let business decide.
“Missouri has a free enterprise system, so we do not believe that government should be intervening in businesses’ legal right to require vaccines in the workplace. Every employer is different, and they’re going to know best how to run their business,” said Kara Corches, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber. “The potential for attorneys to make windfalls on the backs of business, that is a huge concern of ours, and that is why we are here today in opposition.”
Shannon Cooper also testified against the proposals, representing the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and its roughly 2,000 members.
“I can assure you that [our members] all have very diverse opinions on mandates, particularly vaccine mandates. But what I can assure you they all share together is their position that you have no right, whatsoever, to tell us how to run our businesses,” Cooper said.
For more information, contact Corches at kcorches@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.
