Lawmaker accused of misquoting CDC

A Nebraska lawmaker is under fire accused of playing fast and loose with statements from the CDC concerning COVID-19.

The Associated Press noting that Republican State Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte on Wednesday quoted outdated CDC information to make his case that people who were infected with the virus are safer than those who get vaccinated.

Groene: “Of those who were previously infected both with or without prior vaccinations had the greatest protection. I follow science...the CDC says that they’re the safest people in the workforce, safest in the workforce.”

But currently the CDC website says: “FACT: Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19.”

Democrat Tony Vargas—whose father died of COVID before vaccines were available—made it clear he’d heard enough from vaccine opponents.

“We know that science continually proves that this is one of our best opportunities to fight against the pandemic and I wish to God that my dad was alive and we could get him a vaccine,” said the South Omahan. “We should be urging everybody no matter what to be getting a vaccine because it's best for our communities it's best for the public health.”

Groene’s comments came moments before lawmakers voted 33-0 to give initial approval to a bill that would let workers claim religious or health exemptions to employer vaccine mandates.

The bill has to clear two more rounds of debate.