FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, March 30, 2023
Governor's Veto of Bill Aimed at Protecting Arizonans' Medical Freedom is Beyond Insulting PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senator Janae Shamp is expressing disappointment and concern after Governor Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have required employers to allow employees that complete a religious exemption form to opt out of vaccination requirements and would have allowed anyone who was fired over a vaccine mandate to file a complaint with the attorney general if their employer didn't offer or denied a religious exemption.
"I spent my entire career as a nurse, being an advocate for my patients and ensuring that their beliefs are respected and protected," said Senator Shamp. "The reason I'm here at the Senate, is because I was fired from my job as a nurse after refusing to get the experimental COVID-19 vaccine. My top priority is this bill because during the pandemic, Americans' medical freedoms were taken from them, myself included. For me, the Governor's veto is personal. Not just for me but for every Arizonan who lost their job in the same manner. The Governor wrote a request in her veto letter to, 'Work to find bipartisan solutions that promote the educated and healthy workforce that is essential for Arizona's economy.' To call those who stood to protect our health from an experimental shot that is proving to be toxic for many, is beyond an insult. If we truly care about our healthcare and getting people back to work, then maybe we should come together to get nurses back into our hospitals."
Senator Shamp has pledged to continue to fight for Arizonans' medical freedom.
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For more information, contact:
Chierstin Susel
Deputy Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
csusel@azleg.gov