Ford and other businesses sound alarm on Republican-led rollback of COVID-19 restrictions – Tennessean

Ford Motor Company, which announced its $5.6 billion investment in West Tennessee last month, is expressing concerns to state lawmakers about a proposed measure that would prohibit the company from requiring masks.

Gabby Bruno, regional director of governmental affairs for Ford, said mask wearing is crucial for Ford and how it is gettingthrough the pandemic, according to a text message received by Tennessee senators and obtained by The Tennessean.

Bruno thanked the legislature for passing an $884 million package last week to sweeten the Ford deal.

"We are very concerned, however, with the current legislative proposal that would prohibit companies from requiring masks," the message from Bruno states. "Wearing masks is what's kept our facilities running through this."

A Ford spokesperson did not immediately return requestfor comment.

Gov. Bill Lee's administration on Friday confirmed multiple businesses have reached out to express concerns regarding the legislation.

"We have heard from a number of businesses and groups regarding proposals, including Ford and other OEMs, and we have told them to reach out directly to legislators with their concerns," Lee spokesperson Casey Black told The Tennessean.

The bill in question, HB9077/SB9014,would also forbid requirements for proof of vaccination, prevent minors from receiving vaccines without parental consent, prohibit allocation of state funds for any COVID-19 mandates, restrict local health departments from quarantining people for the disease and make it harder to sue for COVID-19-related damages and loss, among other things.

Ford's concerns addressed to lawmakers comes as a stream of business groups are sounding the alarm that the sweeping bill would hamstring businesses' autonomy.

Ford deal: Tennessee legislature gives final nod to $884M Ford deal

In a Friday email, the National Federation of Independent Businesses urged all lawmakers to vote against the bill. A favorable vote could affect individual lawmakers' voting records as rated by the group, it warns.

"This would be a very inopportune time for small businesses, who are dealing with a severe labor shortage, rising inflation and significant supply chain issues, to face potential litigation," the email reads."NFIB is concerned several COVID-19 mitigation measures by an employer could be grounds for a private right of action."

Reach Yue Stella Yu at yyu@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter at @bystellayu_tnsn.

Want to read more stories like this? A subscription to one of ourTennessee publicationsgets you unlimited access to all the latest politics news, podcasts like Grand Divisions, plus newsletters, a personalized mobile experience and the ability to tap into stories, photos and videos from throughout the USA TODAY Network's daily sites.

See more here:

Ford and other businesses sound alarm on Republican-led rollback of COVID-19 restrictions - Tennessean