The Indiana House of Representatives will soon consider a resolution to end the public health emergency Gov. Eric Holcomb issued in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rep. Curt Nisly, a Republican representative for Elkhart and Kosciusko counties, authored the resolution to terminate the public health emergency stating that “Hoosiers are responsible for and capable of protecting the health and safety of themselves and their families,” according to the resolution.
“The general assembly finds that Hoosiers have been educated and informed on how to properly protect themselves and their families from COVID-19,” the resolution states.
The resolution states that the state of emergency is longer necessary.
In Kosciusko County, as of Monday, more than 7,000 people have tested positive, 25 of which are new cases, according to the health department. A total of 73 people have died of COVID-19 in Kosciusko County, with three new deaths reported in the last week.
As of Monday, Elkhart County reported more than 23,000 positive cases, 45 of which were new cases, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. A total of 327 people have died of COVID-19 in Elkhart County, with eight new deaths reported in the last week.
During a news conference Monday, House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said the governor has done “a tremendous job” making decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution ensures that “the legislators have the opportunity to provide input during a prolonged emergency situation.”
“We’re working to find the right balance on this so the legislature has the opportunity to weigh in, but that it weighs in appropriately,” Huston said. “We’ve been blessed with really strong leadership throughout this, it’s just making sure we have legislative input.”
Lake County Council President Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, said the resolution is “stupid.”
“People are dying. People are sick,” Bilski said. “I don’t know what world he lives in. People are not following directions.”
The governor took necessary actions to address the pandemic, Bilski said. While people complained about the executive orders, there ultimately weren’t any enforcement mechanisms in place so those not following safety protocols weren’t fined or jailed, he said.
But, during a pandemic, government officials should issue rules and regulations to help keep residents safe, Bilski said.
“It doesn’t have to be extensive, but rules are needed,” Bilski said.
Lake County Republican Party Chairman and Councilman Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, said there are “still issues with the health crisis.” But, he said he agreed with the resolution’s statement that residents are well-informed and educated on how to protect themselves from COVID-19.
“Government should not run people’s lives,” Dernulc said. “One thing I get concerned about is an over reaching government.”
Lake County Board of Commissioners Michael Repay, D-3rd, said the governor should be allowed to make decisions in an emergency situation, like a pandemic.
Beyond that, Repay said he’s curious if elements the executive orders granted — like allowing virtual access and participation in government meetings — would still be allowed if a sweeping termination of the public health emergency was approved.
“To quickly say ‘(The governor) doesn’t have authority and we’re fine’ is short sighted, to say the least,” Repay said. “Whether you agree with it or not, he provided leadership, which is what people need in an emergency.”
Joslyn Kelly, the owner of J’s Breakfast Club, said it wouldn’t be smart to remove the public health emergency because, even if people know how to protect themselves against COVID-19, it doesn’t mean rules shouldn’t be in place.
“The saying goes ‘If you know better you’ll do better,’ but we know that’s not true,” Kelly said.
To be proactive, Kelly said she has been working with state representatives from Northwest Indiana, like Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, to come up with solutions to help businesses and communities.
For example, Kelly said she’d like to see the state legislature approve a sales tax holiday, which other states like Texas have, that for either a day or a handful of days during which businesses and consumers don’t pay sales tax.
“We have to be advocates for ourselves,” Kelly said. “How are we showing up? Are we just showing up on Election Day or are we showing up everyday to make a difference?”
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