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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Michigan Supreme Court recently ruled that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did not have the authority after April 30 to issue or renew any executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Supreme Court affirmed what I’ve been arguing all along — the governor’s executive orders are unlawful and unconstitutional.
This ruling restores the power back to the people throughout our state. Individuals, businesses and schools now have the opportunity to continue to prove that they can operate responsibly and safely.
Since the ruling, Senate Republicans have reached out to Gov. Whitmer to determine which of her previous orders should continue by approving them through the legislative process. I hope the governor is willing to work together to protect the people of this great state and not make this virus a political or partisan issue. The people of Michigan elected their representatives so their voices could be heard in the decision-making process.
The safety and concerns of the residents of the 33rd District have always been my top priority. Protecting those I serve is a responsibility that I take seriously. I look forward to implementing common-sense solutions that keep our communities safe during this time.
Unfortunately, the governor has shown a continued pattern of an unwillingness to work with her legislative counterparts. Instead of listening to your voice, she has tasked unelected bureaucrats with coming up with new restrictions.
I will continue to fight for a seat at the table to ensure that your voice is heard.
Sincerely,
Rick Outman
State Senator
33rd District
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2021 state budget approved
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The Michigan Legislature has finalized a fiscal year 2021 budget plan that balances the state’s deficit and increases investments in important priorities like K-12 education.
In the face of unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, we worked together to pass a state budget that funds key priorities and balances the deficit — without raising taxes.
This budget increases funding for our K-12 schools, helps fix our roads, protects hardworking taxpayers, is accountable to Michigan families, and helps us build a healthy economy that benefits everyone. It also proves that during national division, we can unite to solve our problems and improve our state.
The School Aid budget features a $65 per student increase in state aid payments for all schools in addition to restoring the $175 per pupil reduction made to balance the FY 2020 budget. It also includes an additional $66 million for growing schools, $37 million for student mental health support and $3 million more for early childhood literacy.
The General Fund budget increases local revenue sharing and fully funds the 2015 plan to help fix the state’s roads. It includes $20 million to ensure nursing homes have adequate personal protective equipment to protect staff and residents, $7 million to graduate at least 50 new state troopers and maintain trooper strength, $26 million for the Going Pro program to help train employees, and $30 million for Michigan Reconnect to help people complete an associate degree or skills certificate.
It also invests $15 million in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign, deposits $35 million in the state’s rainy day fund, and provides $1.5 million for rural jobs and investments.
We are protecting our seniors in nursing homes from COVID-19 and protecting those who protect us — our local police, firefighters and other first responders. Due to the governor’s extended shutdown of our economy, thousands of Michigan residents remain out of work. This budget also makes significant investments to help them get back on their feet.
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Outman supports election security reforms
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a record number of absentee ballots are expected to be cast this fall, and we must do everything we can to improve our elections process during these unprecedented times. That’s why I was proud to support legislation that will give local clerks needed flexibility to prepare for the upcoming election, ensure security of ballots, protect election integrity and require the secretary of state to improve access for military voters serving overseas.
Senate Bill 757 will give local clerks in Michigan’s most populous communities flexibility to handle the influx in absentee ballots for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. Additionally, absentee voter counting boards will be allowed to operate in shifts to ensure staff is not overworked, will require strict security measures for additional absentee ballot drop boxes, and will require local clerks to contact voters whose signature on an absentee ballot application or return envelope is missing or does not match the signature registered with the state. SB 117 will require the secretary of state to adopt rules to receive overseas ballots via a secure electronic portal to ensure the ballots cast by our men and women in uniform are received in time.
These reforms will ensure every vote is counted, protect against election fraud and ensure that we preserve the accuracy of our counting process.
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Deer check and CWD/TB testing changes for 2020 hunting season
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The 2020 hunting season has officially started, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to remind deer hunters of several changes to deer check stations this fall.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hunters will see a reduction in check station and drop-box locations, dates and hours of operation, and the number of deer heads that will be accepted for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. Additionally, to protect hunters and DNR staff, hunters will be required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines, and at many check stations, hunters will be required to stay in their vehicles while their deer is checked.
As we continue to fight the coronavirus pandemic, it is important that we do everything we can to follow guidelines to keep our families safe. For more information on the changes for the 2020 hunting season, click here.
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While the coronavirus pandemic is improving, it is certainly not over. Below is a list of resources available to you if you need any type of assistance. Additionally, you can contact my office at any time for more information.
General information, resources, testing locations and more on Michigan’s response
www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus
Coronavirus hotline for health-related questions, available every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1-888-535-6136
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov
1-800-232-4636
Michigan PEER Warmline, for mental health support and substance abuse challenges, available every day from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
1-888-733-7753
National suicide prevention lifeline, available 24/7
1-800-273-8255
Text TALK to 741741
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Small business resources
www.Michiganbusiness.org
1-888-522-0103
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2020 ballot proposal newsletter
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In addition to candidates for public office, two statewide ballot proposals will be on your ballot for the election on Nov. 3. For your review, this newsletter contains the language for Proposal 20-1 and Proposal 20-2 as they will appear on your ballot.
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The 33rd state Senate District includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm Counties.
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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the 33rd Senate District of Michigan. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 33rd District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.
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Senator Rick Outman
4400 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
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