A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Lansing are creating a plan of recommendations for Governor Whitmer so Michiganders can get back to work sooner than later. 

 

Back on March 23rd, the Governor issued an extension of her "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order directing all non-critical businesses to stay temporarily closed and all Michiganders to stay home or stay six feet away from others during the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

State Senator Rick Outman says the number one priority for this workgroup which consists of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle is the health and safety of Michigan workers so they need to be smart about what they're recommending. 

 

“What we’re looking at is how do we strategically open certain businesses in certain parts of the state and start relaxing those orders? We’re putting together a comprehensive plan that we’re hoping to present to the governor. Hopefully, she takes a good look at it and says this makes sense because certainly we have to get back to work.” Outman said. 

 

The No. 1 goal of this committee is really the heath and safety of Michigan employees. There has to be a balance between fighting this virus, but we can’t let our economy tank. There are certainly jobs right now that will never come back online after this.” Outman added. 

 

Outman says the work group is taking all the necessary steps to gather the information they need to present an informed recommendation to the Governor.  

 

"We have talked with health experts this week and some business owners and department heads like MiOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration) discuss what constitutes a safe workplace.” Outman said.

 

The workgroup plans present its recommendations to Whitmer by the end of the month.