Legislator also calls for balanced process in emergency decision-making

State Rep. Matt Hall, of Marshall, today voted for a plan to restore the balance of powers between the branches of state government and end the broad, unchecked control given to the governor during the state of emergency.

The current state of emergency order is set to expire at the end of today.

“The Legislature did everything we could do to reach an agreement on state of emergency continuations, but it takes two parties together to negotiate and the governor did not give us any other option,” Hall said. “It is important to re-establish a balance between legislative and executive branches as it pertains to decision-making during this pandemic when so many people are being affected. Better decisions for our region will be made if local elected representatives are able to be the people’s voice and give them a spot at the table.”

Hall also voted to approve a plan ensuring measures protecting public health and families who have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak remain in place.

Senate Bill 858 codifies several orders recently issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer which had specific expiration dates. One was originally brought to the administration’s attention by Rep. Hall – an extension for vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses that expire while the ability to renew them is suspended.

The spread of COVID-19 throughout Michigan led to an executive order curtailing activities that are not necessary to sustaining or protecting life. As a result of the directive, the Department of State closed all branches and offices and is not currently processing mail-in transactions.

“I have received thousands of calls and e-mails from concerned people about the governor’s executive orders,” Hall said. “People want to know when they can go in for a preventative surgery or why a particular region of the state must remain closed if the amount of cases are low compared to other regions. If the Legislature is not allowed to be a part of this process, it is difficult for those concerns to reach decision makers. That’s not an effective way for our state government to operate.”

The Legislature also moved to put other executive orders with specific expiration dates into law, including:

• Protections for workers that prevent employers from taking disciplinary action against any employee who elects to stay home from work because of COVID-19.
• Procedures allowing school districts, parents and students to continue the learning process while school buildings remain closed.
• Measures to prevent price gouging.
• Expanded unemployment benefits and eligibility requirements.
• Suspending all foreclosure and eviction proceedings until June 30.
• Restrictions on large public gatherings.
• Standards for businesses and entities where people are working on site, such as following CDC social distancing guidelines, using enhanced cleaning provisions, providing personal protective equipment for employees, avoiding the sharing of tools and equipment when possible, and promoting remote work.
• Limiting visitors at health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities and juvenile justice facilities, conducting health screenings for necessary visitors and providing phone or video chat visitation options.

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