by Jo Marney
The rest of the world has significantly eased its Covid restrictions as the human race finally begins to move on from the virus, but determined to push regressive mandates, Rhode Island Democrats want to impose fines and increased taxes for any resident who is not vaccinated against Covid.
In a bill proposed by Democratic Sen. Samual W. Bell, the scheme would involve Rhode Islanders who are above the age of 16 and with no medical exemptions having to pay $50 monthly fines and a doubling in their personal income taxes all for exercising their right not to receive the vaccination.
Parents whose children are not vaccinated would receive further fines.
Under Bell’s draconian bill, any medical exemption would have to be signed by three doctors for it to be considered valid.
Employees would also have to ensure their staff were in compliance with the rules and would face a hefty penalty of $5000 if they knowingly allowed their employers to be in violation of the mandate for more than seven days.
Some European countries including Greece and Austria imposed similar fines during the height of the pandemic but have since dropped their vaccine mandates last month. There is little evidence that the threat of fines resulted in a greater vaccine uptake in either country, and many said it merely caused further scepticism and division.
In an apparent attempt to justify his non-sensical and regressive plan, Bell said that “Rhode Islanders still strongly support a vaccine mandate,” apparently in reference to a survey which said 64 percent of Rhode Islanders support vaccine requirements.
“The reason I introduced the bill is we have a crisis with the pandemic,” said Bell this Wednesday.
“Thousands of Rhode Islander have died. I’ve had really painful calls from constituents who can’t go to the store because they’re immuno-compromised, who have lost loved ones to this pandemic, who are really ill and not fully recovered, suffering long-term effects.”
Bell’s proposed bill comes as Covid cases in the USA have remained steadily low since a peak over the winter, with the daily death toll at just over 300 a day and continuing to rapidly decline.
The daily death toll in Rhode Island is currently averaging at 0-1 according to statistics provided by the New York Times.
“Cases are rising again. Surrender isn’t working,” Bell wrote.
The proposition has faced heavy criticism on social media, and Senate minority whip De La Cruz said Rhode Island residents has asked for her view about the bill:
I have not, nor will I ever support, legislation that coerces Rhode Islanders into making medical decisions or face steep financial damages”, she said.
De La Cruz went on to say that individuals should be trusted to make the right decision for themselves and their families without state control.
“I hear my constituents and others around the state loud and clear – this is dangerous legislation and sends the message that our government doesn’t trust you to make the right choice for you and your family. This is an unconscionable overreach of legislative powers.”
Author: Jo Marney
Source: Trending Politics: Rhode Island Dems Wants To Fine The Unvaccinated