State Rep. Bradley Slagh today said he supports a regional, safety-focused approach to restarting Michigan’s economy and re-establishing a semblance of normalcy in the COVID-19 era.

House Republicans today unveiled a blueprint to help move the state toward a rolling restart – an approach based on the prevalence and risk factors of the virus, which varies by region. A task force would be established to determine which counties could have some COVID-19 restrictions eased more quickly, getting more people back to work and opening more facets of everyday life – when it’s safe.

“Health and safety are of utmost importance, but the livelihood of Michigan residents is also among my top priorities,” said Slagh, of Zeeland. “I share the governor’s goal of containing the virus and protecting lives, but I see her expanded stay-at-home order as overreach. We must work together to determine our best path forward for West Michigan and the rest of the state.”

Slagh said that as the curve begins to flatten and the number of cases starts to drop in many areas of Michigan, it is time to start making wise decisions about what comes next, especially as it relates to safely opening businesses.

“Every county is different when it comes to this virus and should not be treated the same,” Slagh said. “West Michigan is ready to start moving toward a safe restart, and I am hopeful we can work together to determine how to do so safely.”

Under the plan Slagh supports, a task force – including representatives from Gov. Whitmer’s administration, the Legislature and outside groups – would place counties into one of three tiers based on coronavirus activity and other factors such as hospitalization rates and capacity. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties – which have the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in the state – would be in the tier with strictest restrictions. Other counties would be placed in tiers with fewer restrictions.

Starting from the premise of the updated federal CISA guidelines, the bipartisan task force would help determine which jobs and activities could be resumed safely in each area of the state. The task force would make frequent recommendations to the governor to reflect changes in coronavirus activity.

“This as an invitation for our governor to join arms with the Legislature, as our citizens have requested, and establish what can be done to get our state back to work safely, while maintaining our health.”

To view the full plan, visit the Michigan House Republican website.