Once again, the governor’s administration is unilaterally controlling the ability of Michigan residents to make a living.

While I am proud of the relief we worked on late into the evening many nights this week, folks simply want to get back to work and support themselves. This sentiment has been echoed from residents across the state but has been routinely ignored by the governor and her department leaders — yet every person in the administration has continued to receive a paycheck since the first shutdown nearly one year ago.

An example from my family, and from my community: The Riverdale Tavern. This establishment has been in my family since 1917. The restaurant was able to survive two world wars, the Great Depression, and heck, was even able to survive prohibition — sadly it does not look like it will survive the heavy-handed orders of Gov. Whitmer. Unfortunately, The Riverdale Tavern joins countless other Michigan businesses on the brink of closing their doors. Over 100 years of hard work and dedication to the community being wiped out single handedly by our governor.

It is cruel to continue to rip people’s livelihoods away and drag them along with false hope in the peak of the holiday season. This is America. We work hard for what we have, and it is not the job of the government to dictate whether people can make a living or not. This is an absolute afront to our values as Americans.

My team and I are dedicated to providing residents of the 33rd District the best possible service. Whether you are in need of assistance when dealing with a state department, have an idea for legislation, or want to share your thoughts and concerns with us about a particular bill, we are here for you.

This year my staff worked hard to find new ways to serve you while working from home, adapting to ever-changing COVID-19 protocols, and navigating a difficult and unprepared Unemployment Insurance Agency on your behalf.

We strive to answer each and every question that comes into the office as quickly and efficiently as possible.

From Jan. 1 – Dec. 15, my team and I:

Despite the unprecedented nature of this year, I was proud of the legislative priorities I was able to push for on behalf of the people of the 33rd District. Here are some highlights:

Resolution urging the governor to allow infrastructure workers to return to work
In April, I offered Senate Resolution 112. This resolution was adopted by the Senate and asked the governor to do one simple thing: adopt federal guidelines so more of our citizens could return to work, SAFELY.

I wanted those who work in construction to be able to get back on the job. Construction work is often done outside or in large open spaces. Additionally, these workers are used to wearing specialized protective equipment to keep themselves safe on the job site.

Governors in other states, at that point in time, had adopted these federal guidelines so that the construction industry could keep working. I’m glad Gov. Whitmer listened to my recommendation and changed the guidelines.

Since then, construction industry workers have demonstrated that they can return to work, SAFELY and support their families.

Certificate of need bill to reduce administrative red-tape, increase access
Senate Bill 1160 would revise the certificate of need (CON) application requirements for the Extended Care Services Program. This bill would remove the annual patient day limitation for approved hospitals and modify the data reporting requirements for approved hospitals that are participating in the Extended Care Services Program.

The bill would remove administrative red-tape existing within the Extended Care Services Program, which is needed especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program would provide flexibility and choice for rural patients to determine their best course of care post-hospitalization and offers an option that limits facility-to-facility transfers.

Substitution adopted to address school staffing shortages
I offered a substitution to House Bill 4694, which was adopted, to help Michigan schools that are struggling to fill substitute teaching jobs and other positions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I listened to the concerns of teachers from the district and made sure the Michigan Legislature put forward the best plan to help our schools who are facing teacher shortages.

The Michigan Learning Channel, a statewide public television partnership offering instructional content to support the education of students and provide alternative resources for families and teachers, is moving forward on plans for its January 2021 launch.

When the channel launches, it will provide instructional programming in early literacy, social and emotional learning, and math for students from kindergarten through third grade. The team is also working with literacy experts and the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators to finalize the January and February programming for reading and plans to produce early math content featuring Michigan teachers for airing in January.

A sampler of content similar to what will appear on the Michigan Learning Channel can be viewed at www.MichiganLearning.org, and school leaders are encouraged to send feedback to the learning channel team by email to [email protected].

This will be a great resource for teachers, students and parents as we continue to navigate the challenges of remote learning during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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.

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

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