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G ov. Jim Justice erred in vetoing a bill expanding solar power in West Virginia, but he did the right thing in vetoing one that could have exposed school children to infectious diseases that have almost been wiped out.
The bill would have allowed some students who donƵt attend traditional public institutions or participate in group extracurriculars such as sports to be exempt from vaccinations typically required for children starting day care or school.
West Virginia is one of a few states that offers only medical exemptions to vaccine requirements.
ƵOur kids are our future,Ƶ Justice said in a letter explaining the veto. ƵThey are our most important resource, and I will protect them with everything I have.Ƶ
The governor said ƵWest Virginia is way ahead of the packƵ in protecting children from preventable diseases such as measles because of its school vaccine policy.
Justice said he took the advice of medical professionals who opposed the legislation.
However, taking the advice of medical professionals led to overly strict shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago. A governor must balance conflicting advice from professionals in different fields.
The Declaration of Independence lists our basic human rights as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There can be a fine line between liberty and public safety. When it comes to matters of religion and faith, finding that line can be difficult, and often judgments must be made that displease large groups of people.
Almost all people attending public schools are minors. While their parents may have good intentions, the fact is that some preventable diseases can have life-long consequences. Allowing large pockets of unvaccinated children to gather in groups and be a public health disaster waiting to happen.
West Virginia law requires children to be vaccinated against chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough. The only exemption is for medical reasons. Some of those diseases can be an inconvenience; some can lead to paralysis or death.
The final version of House Bill 5105 passed the House of Delegates 70-29. It passed the Senate 20-12. There may not be enough support now to override the veto.
Justice did the right thing in vetoing this bill. In doing so, he took the political pressure off legislators who may be tempted to try this again.
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