Recently, Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-153, which requires the use of masks or facial coverings in any public space.

There are a few exceptions to the mask-mandate listed in the executive order, including anyone who cannot medically tolerate a face covering, those at a polling place for the purposes of voting in an election, or children younger than five, among others. The order says businesses can accept a customer’s verbal explanation that they are not wearing a face covering because they meet one of the exceptions.

The governor also recently signed another order requiring children as young as two-years-old who are attending child care to wear a face mask

While I understand the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends that Michiganders wear a face covering when outside of their home to help stop the spread of COVID-19, I don’t agree with all aspects of this executive order. I do not think businesses should be told who they can or cannot provide services to. I am confident business owners are the most capable of determining how to best serve their customers in a safe way. I trust our business owners and have long advocated for allowing businesses to determine for themselves when and how to best reopen.

We know this virus is aggressive, and we have all taken aggressive actions to combat the spread in our great state. I am proud of how Michiganders have risen to the challenge of social distancing and are implementing exceptional sanitation practices. I’m working hard to come up with fact-based solutions that are thoughtful and meaningful.

My team has been working hard to get you answers from the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). We have submitted over 400 inquiries to the UIA conflict resolution team on your behalf.

If you or someone you know is struggling to get answers from the UIA, is locked out of your account, or you think you’ve been wrongfully denied benefits, please visit the website address below and fill out the required information at your earliest convenience: https://www.senatorkevindaley.com/unemployment-assistance/

Please note that when the UIA does follow up with you, they will call from a phone number with an “866” area code. They will only call twice to the phone number you provided on the form.

I understand this has been a difficult time for many, and I’m frustrated by the UIA’s slow response time and back-log of cases. Right now, the average wait time for a response from the UIA is 5-8 weeks. My team and I will continue to do our best to help in any way we can during this difficult time.

I introduced Senate Bill 855 to establish separate recognition for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) within the Medicaid program to improve access to these critical products and related services for children and adults with significant disabilities.

The bill includes equipment such as complex rehabilitation manual and power wheelchairs and options or accessories, and other specialized equipment.

This legislation will create stronger safeguards and help those with severe disabilities throughout the state. The goal is to help individuals who need specifically configured medical equipment meet their needs and get the items they need to go about their daily lives. For those with severe physical disabilities, access to high quality specialized equipment is so important for improving their quality of life and minimizing health care costs.

These bills were unanimously passed out of the Committee on Health Policy and Human Services and will now be considered by the entire Senate.

Due to Gov. Whitmer’s executive order putting patients with COVID-19 into nursing homes, more than one-third of the state’s COVID-19 related deaths occurred among elderly people in these facilities.

The Senate has taken action on this and introduced Senate Bill 956 that would ban the admission and holding of people who have COVID-19 in any nursing home facility, unless the facility has a state-approved designated area and program to care for the patient. These deaths never should have happened, and this bill would have helped ensure that it doesn’t happen in Michigan again.

I am proud to have voted yes on this legislation in an effort to protect our most vulnerable loved ones. This bill passed both the Senate and House of Representatives before being vetoed by the governor. I am disappointed to see that she isn’t taking this situation more seriously.

Now that the delayed income tax deadline has come and gone, are you waiting for a refund from the state of Michigan?

You can check the status of your refund by visiting this site. You’ll need your social security number, filing status, the appropriate tax year and your adjusted gross income or total household resources.

Time on the water with family and friends is one of the best things about the Great Lakes State, but safety must come first. Fluctuating water levels can put even the strongest swimmers in danger, conceal hazards like fallen tree limbs or rocks and make it difficult to navigate under low-hanging objects or around logjams.

It’s important to understand the risks of high-water areas, pay attention to the beach-flag warnings and always wear a life jacket during any water activity. Click here for more information on how to stay safe while out on the water.

My office is happy to offer legislative tributes in honor of noteworthy events such as retirement, anniversaries of businesses in our community, awards and public recognitions.

The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.