LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Roger Victory on Thursday said he fully supports a Senate Republican proposal to help Michigan workers return to their jobs safely and put the state’s economy back on track.
“I was extremely frustrated with the governor’s restrictive and shortsighted stay-at-home order extension last week, and I am proud to support a commonsense plan that will help support the hardworking people of Ottawa County and the entire state,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “Allowing responsible folks like lawn care workers and greenhouse operators to return to work safely is important to struggling small businesses in critical industries and it’s important to the mental health of Michigan families sheltering in their homes.”
The Senate Republican “Open Michigan Safely” plan relies on measurable data points to serve as indicators of decreased risk. The proposal is structured in five phases that outline conditions in the state, suggest safe business operations, and propose guarded levels of public activity. The phases consider testing capability, hospital capacity, availability of personal protection equipment, and a vaccine or similar medical breakthrough to combat COVID-19.
“In times of crisis like this, we must all work together in good faith,” Victory said. “We put our faith in the governor to do the right thing, and she let us down. This positive plan puts its faith in our people to energize our economy while also taking the necessary precautions to protect workers and the public.”
The proposal would allow low-risk businesses to operate during Phase 1. Low-risk businesses are those with little to no physical contact between employers, employees and customers. People who can perform their jobs without the need for physical contact with another person would be allowed to resume work, such as workers who mow lawns or spray for outdoor pests.
Senate Republicans have shared the proposal with Gov. Whitmer and asked her to respond prior to April 30 on how it can be incorporated into short- and long-term plans for Michigan.