Assemblyman-elect Matt Simpson (R,C,I-Horicon) has expressed his opposition to Assembly Bill A11179. According to the bill, once there is a vaccination program in place, the state Department of Health can “mandate vaccines” for anyone who can “safely receive it.” The bill raises many concerns regarding parental and legal guardian rights, religious rights and individual rights as a whole.

“The arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine is a great American accomplishment and once available, those who wish to be immunized should be afforded that right without delay,” said Simpson. “However, we should be mindful to afford the same opportunity of exercising one’s personal right to decide for themselves whether or not a vaccine is the best course of action for them and their family. Mandating the vaccine on North Country residents is an unnecessary overreach by our state government and violates their constitutional rights.”

Simpson is supportive of the vaccine distribution and will be receiving one himself, and he encourages anyone in the community who is eligible to do so. Simpson also recognizes a citizen’s absolute right to choose whether they elect to receive the vaccine.