I joined my colleagues today during a special session to approve measures that would update state laws regarding states of emergency and create a bipartisan, bicameral committee to provide oversight of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

I believe the governor’s first stay home order was made in the best interest of the state with the information that was available at the time. Science and research have had some time to catch up and are providing us with information as to how we can begin to go about our daily lives safely.

I do, however, believe the governor’s second stay home order went beyond reason and unnecessarily created an extreme burden on families across the state — especially those in regions with low infection rates and little to no growth.

Senate Bills 857 and 858 would alleviate some of the concerns brought up by this order by allowing greater legislative oversight of the governor’s actions during a state of emergency. These bills would require legislative approval to extend a state of emergency every 14 days, rather than the current 28 days, allowing for additional input and consideration into future statewide plans.

My colleagues and I also approved House Concurrent Resolution 20, which would create the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic to more fully review Michigan’s preparedness for and response to the virus outbreak. This bipartisan, bicameral committee will have the ability to subpoena information related to the governor’s actions thus far during the pandemic.

I believe we can use this opportunity to improve the state’s response going forward and provide some checks and balances between the Legislature and the executive branch.

Earlier today, Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-59, extending her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 15.

While the new order relaxes some restrictions on outdoor activities and will allow some workers who perform previously suspended activities to go back to work, it brings with it new requirements. People are now required to wear face coverings when they enter enclosed public spaces. Though no criminal charges will result from not wearing a mask, businesses reserve the right to refuse service to those who choose not to.

Some businesses will be allowed to resume operations as long as employees practice the “enhanced social-distancing rules” spelled out in the order. These workers including garden stores, nurseries, lawn care, pest control and landscaping operations. Big box stores can reopen sections of the store that were previously closed, such as garden centers.

Retailers that don't sell “necessary” supplies can also reopen for curbside pick-up and delivery. People are allowed to leave home to pick up “non-essential” supplies, but only at the curb. These stores must otherwise remain closed to the public.

The order still requires people to stay at home, and bans public and private gatherings of any size who are not part of the same household.

The new executive order allows people to travel between two of their residences in Michigan or to a residence outside of state. It also lists “boating” and “golfing” among the list of outdoor recreational activity that people can engage in outside of their homes.

Additional information on the governor’s executive orders and other state news can be found here.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed Executive Order 2020-47, temporarily extending the expiration of valid driver’s licenses, state identification cards and commercial vehicle registrations that would otherwise expire during the state’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.

The temporary extension does not apply to motorists with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses. Read more here.

Executive Order 2020-51 expands capacity for child care services for health care workers, first responders, and other members of the essential workforce providing critical infrastructure to Michiganders during the COVID-19 epidemic until May 13.

The order provides temporary and limited relief from certain regulatory restrictions regarding child care services and facilitates the use of certain property for child care services. Read more here.

Last weekend, Gov. Whitmer signed executive orders 2020-53 and 2020-54, extending her previous orders to suspend evictions and enhance restrictions on price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Order 2020-53 extends the restrictions on excessive pricing of goods, materials, emergency supplies, and consumer food items. The order will help ensure front line workers and Michiganders have access to all necessary products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Order 2020-54 continues to allow tenants and mobile home owners to remain in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic even if they are unable to stay current on their rent.

On Wednesday, Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-56, extending her previous order which gives pharmacists increased operational capacity and increases access to prescriptions.

The order continues to allow pharmacists to dispense emergency refills of prescriptions for up to 60 days’ worth of supply for patients and require insurers to cover early refills for up to 90 days’ worth of supply during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Read more here.

For more than a million Michiganders, learning to navigate the state’s unemployment system has become a necessity in recent weeks as the coronavirus crisis has rocked the economy.

Heavy traffic to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) system, both online and by phone, has caused delays in filing claims and having questions answered. State officials have asked for patience and have assured residents that everyone eligible for benefits will receive them.

On Tuesday, April 21, the UIA announced a series of videos, including answers to frequently asked questions, to help claimants who have experienced difficulties navigating the system.

Additional information you may find helpful can be found below:

Many have contacted my office with questions surrounding the recent federal legislation to provide relief to citizens across the nation.

Many have already successfully filed for unemployment and many have received their federal stimulus payments as well. If you are still trying to file a claim with the state’s unemployment office, please continue trying and be patient. The state is seeing a record number of claims week after week and necessary adjustments are being made to both the online and telephone systems.

Self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers can now apply for federal benefits online.

Self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers who have previously applied for unemployment benefits and have been denied should login to their MiWAM account to complete the next steps toward receiving their federal benefits. They should not file a new claim, as that may delay the time it takes to get their benefits.

Read more here.

The 33rd state Senate District includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties.

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