The restaurant industry has been one of the hardest hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why I joined with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association to implement their data-driven plan to open the doors of Michigan’s struggling restaurants and hospitality businesses.

While I support safely opening up all sectors of Michigan’s economy immediately, the plan developed by the MRLA is a great step to normalizing operations for this industry. The numbers are quite clear. The positivity rate has hovered in the low single digits, and I think we should implement their data-driven plan and begin lifting these restrictions.

The hospitality industry is one of Michigan’s largest and most important but was one of the hardest hit industries by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutdowns. Over the past year, MRLA reported 3,000 restaurants have permanently closed and 200,000 jobs have been lost.

I agree with the governor and DHHS director that using science and data is the best approach. Unfortunately, they have not shared what metrics they are utilizing to make decisions, and the numbers we see do not coincide with the restrictions facing the industry. I will be working on specific bill language that includes the major themes of the MRLA plan in order to make this legislation work best for Michigan.

Earlier this month, the state Senate adopted a resolution I sponsored, which calls on Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to review the signatures submitted by the Unlock Michigan campaign.

On Oct. 2, 2020, Unlock Michigan organizers submitted signatures that were collected in support of repealing one of the laws the governor used to issue executive orders over several months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s been over four months since the Unlock Michigan campaign submitted 539,000 signatures on behalf of Michiganders to repeal the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945. That is over 140 days in a row that our secretary of state neglected to act on this matter.

The law was deemed unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court, and a bill to repeal the law was approved by the Legislature. Now, lawmakers, including myself, say the citizens’ initiative seeking to repeal the law is being ignored by the Michigan secretary of state.

Senate Resolution 9 calls on Benson to immediately begin the process of reviewing signatures collected as part of this effort and advance the initiative through the process.

A spokesperson for the secretary of state stated that “no amount of grandstanding or political pressure for special treatment will impact the work of the dedicated public servants at the Bureau of Elections.” We are not asking Secretary Benson for special treatment. We are asking her to do the job she was elected to do.

The Bureau of Elections has stated that it takes roughly 60 days to complete the review process. We’re over 140 days in and not a single signature has been reviewed.

SR 9 was adopted by the Senate.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on Michigan workers. Many hard-working residents find themselves out of a job through no fault of their own. Michiganders should be able to rely on the protections of the Unemployment Insurance Agency.

If you live in Muskegon, Newaygo, or Oceana counties, and you are still struggling with Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency, please contact my office for assistance.

Click here or visit www.senatorjonbumstead.com and fill out the Unemployment Assistance form or call my office at 517-373-1635, so my staff and I can assist you.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted every facet of life in our state and across the country. Perhaps no group of Michiganders has felt the negative impact of the pandemic more than our students. In an instant, their world has been turned upside down. Our students have been missing out on some of the most formative events in their lives, opportunities that often present themselves once and never again.

I was incredibly concerned when Gov. Whitmer announced high school athletics must stop competing immediately and wouldn’t be able to resume until at least Feb. 22. In these challenging times, it is imperative that our governor, lawmakers, school administrators, and organizations like the MHSAA are responsive to our students' needs.

In the wake of Gov. Whitmer’s announcement, I heard from dozens of concerned students, parents, and coaches. I was proud to support Senate Resolution 7, which urged the governor and MDHHS to allow high school sports to resume play immediately. This resolution passed with bipartisan support.

Your voices matter, and they were heard. Gov. Whitmer reversed her decision, allowing contact sports to resume on Monday, Feb. 8.

I am glad her administration was able to recognize that winter sports are a safe, and needed, activity for our students. I wish all of our teams the best of luck this season.

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.