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Indiana government leaders react to Supreme Court vaccine mandate opinions

Gov. Eric Holcomb said he “respects” two opinions issued from the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday. One blocked vaccine requirements for large employers. Another  upheld requirements for health care workers in medical facilities that receive federal dollars.

Holcomb said in a statement he still believes a COVID-19 vaccine is the “number one tool” to protect Hoosiers. But he also contends neither state nor federal government should issue vaccination requirements on businesses.

READ MORE: Supreme Court blocks Biden's vaccine-or-test mandate for large private companies

Meanwhile, Attorney General Todd Rokita said in a statement the court correctly decided against the “intrusive federal overreach of the OSHA rule.”

He said he’ll continue to  fight vaccination requirements for federal contractors and child care workers who benefit from federal Head Start funds.

Contact reporter Justin at  jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at  @Hicks_JustinM.

Brandon J. Smith has previously worked as a reporter and anchor for KBIA Radio in Columbia, MO. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, IL as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.