Attorney Danielle Kays
A Bloomington business attorney says many employers are hesitant to mandate their employees get the COVID-19 vaccine, even though it s legal to do so.
Attorney Danielle Kays tells WGLT s Eric Stock employees can use medical and religious exemptions otherwise, businesses can require their workers get vaccinated or notify whether they have received the vaccine.
Republican lawmakers have filed a bill in the Illinois legislature to ban vaccine mandates. Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, is a cosponsor. Another proposal would mandate vaccinations in certain facilities, including nursing homes and hospital ICUs.
A blank COVID vaccination card located at a vaccination clinic in Bloomington.
More than 61,000 people in McLean County are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That s just over one-third of the population.
But do you know how many of our police officers, street crews and other public-facing employees are vaccinated?
Actually, no one does.
Local government leaders say when it comes to staff vaccinations, it s don t ask, don t tell.
Cathy Oloffson is director of Communications and Community Relations for the Town of Normal. She said town staff is generally forthcoming about getting their COVID vaccines, so coworkers can plan accordingly.
“Many coworkers have been very honest about it. ‘I am going to be out. I am getting the vaccine or I might be here, depending on how I respond to the vaccine,’” Oloffson said. “Many people have shared it voluntarily.”
MCLEAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT / RALPH WEISHEIT / WGLT
McLean County Public Defender Carla Barnes has been appointed as the first Black woman to serve as a circuit judge in Illinois’ 11th Judicial Circuit.
Barnes fills the vacancy created by Judge Scott Drazewski’s recent retirement. It’s her second attempt at being appointed to the bench in the circuit that covers McLean, Ford, Livingston, Logan, and Woodford counties.
“I started with the public defense s office 19 years ago. I have enjoyed serving our clients as I worked my way up from traffic court to major felonies. During my six years as chief public defender, I ve always said I have the best job in the county,” Barnes said.
Circuit Judge Scott Drazewski to retire this month pantagraph.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pantagraph.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.