Statement on Gov. Abbott's COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Executive Order

Statement from Bob Harvey, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership

“Since COVID-19 vaccines became widely available, the Partnership has supported the right of businesses to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Businesses have a duty to maintain a safe work environment, and many have deemed vaccine requirements an important step to get back to business safely and necessary to grow Houston’s economy. For those employees with documented religious or health concerns, companies have offered accommodations, as required by law.  Many companies have also employed a frequent-testing alternative.

The governor’s executive order does not support Texas businesses’ ability and duty to create a safe workplace.  While the courts will likely decide the validity of this order, we encourage all employers to continue to promote the importance of vaccinations with their employees.

Vaccinations are our path out of the pandemic, and the Partnership remains focused on supporting steps that lead to improving the rate of vaccination in our community.”