I recently wrote a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer formally asking her to work with me, the Legislature, and Michigan’s Adventure to come up with a realistic timeline for the amusement park to safely open to the public.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the operators of Michigan’s Adventure have spent considerable time developing an operational plan that would protect the safety of employees and visitors. Michigan’s Adventure has consulted with state and federal guidance, health organizations, tourism associations, and other medical experts to develop a comprehensive reopening plan. The nearly 20-page plan includes significant changes to the park’s operating protocol and includes measures to comply with social distancing and other safety requirements.

Michigan’s Adventure is responsible for training and employing nearly 1,000 local workers, and they play an important role in a successful Muskegon County economy. They have a great training facility, and high employment standards that allow the park to adapt to current, and future, safety guidelines. The operators of Michigan’s Adventure have a well-known track record for safety and cleanliness, and I have no doubt that they can be a leader and model for other businesses across the state.

The health and welfare of Michigan residents continues to be one of my top priorities as we continue to battle COVID-19. Many businesses have been developing plans to safely reopen and I believe the governor and the Legislature should work with businesses like Michigan’s Adventure to set a realistic timeline to safely open.

My staff and I are still working diligently to assist constituents with their unemployment claims.

I can be most helpful if I have all of the information about your claim, so I created a form on my website for you to submit all of your concerns at once. Please share this link with anyone in the 34th District who still needs help with UIA.

You can find the form by visiting my website or at: https://www.senatorjonbumstead.com/unemployment-assistance/.

During these extremely tough times, families shouldn’t be worried about their water being shut off, especially those who have lost jobs and are struggling to cover expenses. Several counties across the state received CARES Act funding to support the pandemic response that could also be used to assist with water bills.

Anyone having difficulty paying their water bill should:

Yesterday, I voted in support of legislation to ensure all law enforcement officers receive training to help improve their community relationships and protect all Michigan families from excessive force.

The death of George Floyd is a tragedy, and the officers responsible should be held accountable for their actions. Americans are justifiably upset, and I fully support everyone’s First Amendment right to protest and peacefully assemble. There have been many recent incidents of Michiganders peacefully demonstrating to make their voices heard and I commend those who have participated in these demonstrations.

Senate Bill 945 would require that all law enforcement officers complete training on implicit bias, procedural justice, and de-escalation techniques and receive education on mental health resources. It also would require ongoing annual continuing education for officers.

Law enforcement agencies would be required to adopt a policy stating the officers employed have an affirmative duty to use de-escalation techniques whenever possible. The policy would need to be adopted by Jan. 1, 2022. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) would be tasked with creating a model policy for agencies to adopt.

I stand with the Michigan State Police, Police Officers Association of Michigan, and other law enforcement organizations in supporting the reforms in Senate Bill 945. I hope to see quick action taken in the House as the bill makes its way to the governor’s desk.

A new package of deer hunting regulations designed to simplify rules and remove barriers to participation was recently introduced to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. The regulations, proposed for the 2020 deer hunting season, are schedule for an NRC vote in June.

Hunters are encouraged to review the proposed regulations and share their feedback either through an anonymous survey or by email to [email protected]. All comments must be received by June 5 and will be shared with the Natural Resources Commission. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country, including our state forest lands. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking for the public’s input on its plans for Michigan’s 4 million acres of state forest. Due to COVID-19, people interested in commenting can offer input online.

Here is how to submit your input online:

You may submit comments by email or schedule a telephone appointment with a DNR staffer. For more information, including virtual open house schedules, compartment reviews and instructions for using the interactive map, go to www.Michigan.gov/ForestInput.

As businesses begin to reopen and we start to get our economy back on track, businesses will need access to personal protective equipment for their employees. The Pure Michigan Business Connect program has developed a portal specifically designed to support the personal protective equipment (PPE) needs of Michigan businesses as they start the process of reopening.

The online portal can be accessed at www.michiganbusiness.org/ppe and is open to companies of all sizes and industries and is available for all scales of PPE demand.

On Wednesday, Gov. Whitmer announced rescissions of executive orders on FOIA, hospital capacity, and emergency medical services as regions across Michigan continue to advance under the MI Safe Start plan.

Executive orders 2020-38, 39 and 82 will be rescinded at noon on June 11. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will loosen visitation rules in hospitals. Visitors at hospitals will still have to go through a number of requirements before entering, including receiving a proper screening before entry.

Read more.

Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-111, which provides additional requirements and procedures to keep agricultural workers and the food supply safe from the effects of COVID-19.

EO 2020-111, which takes effect immediately and expires on June 29, requires owners and operators of employer-provided migrant housing licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provide residents with the same safeguards businesses are required to provide workers under EO 2020-97. This includes creating a COVID-19 response plan, providing Personal Protective Equipment and following social distancing measures.

Read more.

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