The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling soon on the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate for employers with 100 or more workers. Speaking during a Thursday meeting, Berrien County Board of Commissioners Chair Mac Elliott said he’s against the OSHA rule.
“I know we have employees who are on pins and needles right now,” Elliott said. “We have to comply with the law, even if we think the law is not well reasoned, but I fully expect this will be struck down.”
However, Elliott then read from a statement.
“The county will be prepared to comply with the OSHA requirement if the U.S. Supreme Court determines that it is constitutional. Otherwise, the county will not implement such a testing and vaccination policy.”
County Administrator Brian Dissette said the county has more than 300 employees. That includes the commissioners. He said he’ll work on a draft vaccination and testing policy just in case the Supreme Court upholds the rule. Commissioner Ezra Scott said if the rule is upheld, he thinks unvaccinated employees shouldn’t have to pay for their COVID tests, adding the county has received millions in COVID funds that could be used. We should have our answer from the court soon.
