Earlier this month, I issued the following statement after an announcement that The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ Muskegon County casino project has made a significant step toward completion of the project:

“I have been a constant supporter of The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians casino project. The completed project is expected to bring nearly 1,500 high paying, full-time jobs to Muskegon County — jobs that will be a tremendous asset to our community.

“The federal government will issue its final decision on the casino project application after a public comment period. The process then moves to the state of Michigan for concurrence from the governor and action by my colleagues and I in the Legislature.

“The project is expected to not use any taxpayer dollars and upon completion, it is estimated that the casino will generate $15 million in tax revenue for the state and millions more for local governments.

“The project will bring a significant and positive economic impact to Muskegon County if it is approved. There is a wide range of support from members of our local community, and I encourage the governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to support this project if the federal government gives their approval.

“I want to extend my gratitude to President Trump, Interior Secretary Bernhardt and the entire administration for their work on this project, which has spanned several administrations.

“The federal government is expected to announce a public comment period following the publication of the Final Environmental Impact Statement.”

While on the Senate Floor, I voted in support of measures that would extend unemployment benefits, assist workers and businesses and protect nursing home residents in the wake of the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling limiting the governor’s authority during the ongoing pandemic.

After the recent court ruling, my colleagues and I are using this as an opportunity to lead the state forward as we work to defeat the coronavirus. I am happy with the Court’s decision and would like to see the executive and legislative branches working together on polices that will help Michigan businesses, families and seniors at a time when they need it most.

Senate Bills 886 and 911, now Public Acts 229 and 230, protect emergency unemployment benefits for employers and employees alike. Public Act 229 will retain protections for workers who left work to self-isolate or quarantine and would continue the current work share program expansions. Public Act 230 will allow a retiree to remain eligible for their retirement allowances despite the fact they returned to work at UIA or MIOSHA to help with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The changes remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2020.

Also included in the package were Senate Bills 1094 and 1108, now Public Acts 231 and 228 of 2020.

Public Act 231 will reduce the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes by implementing recommendations of the Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force and prohibit individuals who have tested positive and not yet recovered from COVID-19 from being admitted into these facilities. Among other things, this new law requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in consultation with LARA to implement a process to create Care and Recovery Centers within nursing homes for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Public Act 228 amends the Open Meetings Act to permit virtual participation by members of a public body for any reason until Dec. 31, 2020, retroactive to March 18 of this year. In 2021, the law will allow virtual participation for members with military duty or a medical condition, or during a state or local state of emergency affecting the location of the body or a member of the body. Beginning in 2022, remote participation will be permitted only for those members absent due to military duty.

These bills were signed into law earlier this month by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

In response to the thwarted plot against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this month, I released the following statement:

“Threatening the governor’s life or plotting to kidnap her is appalling. Any policy or political differences that people may have with the governor, or any elected official, should be settled at the ballot box.

“Today’s news announcement confirms the importance of and need for our brave women and men in law enforcement. Their ability to protect not only our governor, but everyone in Michigan, is vital to ensuring we have safe communities throughout our state.

“I am grateful the governor and her family were able to stay safe through this shameful act, and I am thankful for the tireless work of our law enforcement who dedicate their lives to protect us all.”

Next week, you have the opportunity to vote for your preferred candidates and on state and local issues. To make your voting experience go as smoothly as possible, I have provided some helpful information below.

Fall in Michigan is the perfect time to hit the trails and enjoy all that Pure Michigan has to offer! Sometimes you need to hit the trails for a walk to enjoy the fall colors, for a run, a bike ride or for a mental or physical reset. However Michigan’s trails call to you, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to make it easy to find the perfect trail escapes all over the state.

With more than 4,600 miles of state-managed nonmotorized trails, there are plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and other exploring. Next time you’re looking to lace up your shoes, check out the DNR’s interactive map of nonmotorized trails.

With the interactive map, you can search for a trail by name or location, find campgrounds and other amenities, see satellite imagery, and more. To learn more about the interactive map or all DNR-managed trail resources, visit Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.