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I want to take a moment to explain my vote in favor of HB 5044, a bill focused on vaccines and public health.
At its core, this legislation is about access, affordability, and stability.
Put simply, this bill gives Connecticut the ability to decide which vaccines are covered and available, independent of the federal government, without giving the state the power to force anyone to take them.
It allows Connecticut to ensure vaccines remain available and covered by insurance, even if there are changes at the federal level. As public health guidance in Washington becomes less predictable, it’s important that our state can stand on its own and protect access for residents here at home.
I also want to directly address a concern raised during debate, that this bill gives the Commissioner of Public Health “unchecked power.” That is simply not accurate.
- The bill does NOT give the state authority to mandate vaccines
- The existing process for school vaccine requirements remains unchanged and must still go through the full regulatory process
- There are no new restrictions on religious exemptions beyond current law
- The bill explicitly states that individuals are not required to receive medical interventions, even during a public health emergency
What this bill does is allow the state to set a “standard of care” that primarily impacts insurance coverage and access, making sure vaccines people choose to receive are affordable and available.
It also expands access for uninsured and underinsured adults, helping more people afford the care they choose.
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