Vaccines have gotten some attention from the Iowa Legislature this year. One bill — House File (HF) 2287 — proposes banning the sale, distribution and administration of vaccines unless manufacturers give up federal liability immunity. A subcommittee recommended passage of the bill on Feb. 17. If it can be approved by a committee before Saturday, it will survive the first funnel week.

Another — HF2171 — seeks to remove all vaccination requirements from public schools. The House Education Committee voted in favor of the bill on Feb. 4. Since HF2171 was approved by a subcommittee and a committee, it has survived the funnel and will be considered by the legislature.

While none of the legislators representing Marshall County were on the subcommittees or committee, they know how they will proceed with HF2171.

Blom

Rep. David Blom (R-Marshalltown) understands that some Iowans have concerns about vaccines and that there is a conversation occurring in the country on how to address those concerns.

“However, I don’t believe this bill is the best way forward at this time,” he said. “Iowa has vaccine exemption requirements that I believe are working well to meet any medical or religious needs. I will continue to listen to my constituents on their concerns on both sides of this issue, but I will not support this legislation in the Iowa House.”

Barker

Rep. Brett Barker (R-Nevada) said he does not support HF2171 and does not believe there is the necessary broad consensus for it to move forward.

Fisher

Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Montour) said if the bill makes it to the floor, he is certain there will be considerable discussion. However, he is not in favor of the bill.

“While I understand the concerns with more modern, untested, vaccines like for COVID, I also have to look at the history of vaccines, as well,” he said. “I’m 69 years old, old enough to know people of my generation that contracted polio and seen the impact that has had on their life. Vaccines eradicated polio for persons younger than I, and I’m thankful for that.”

He does remember getting the measles when he was a child, and a cousin of his, who is close to his age, was permanently impacted by the disease. Fisher said his aunt contracted measles during her pregnancy. His cousin was severely mentally handicapped as a result and has been institutionalized for the last 50 years.

“Since then, measles has largely been eradicated, but is now resurging in some areas because of the insanely idiotic open border policy of the Democratic Party during the Biden administration,” Fisher said. “With this view of history, I can’t support eliminating tried and true vaccines in our schools.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 21 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.