Lawmaker says Michigan citizens need answers

State Rep. Jason Wentworth today called on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to immediately start addressing the concerns of Michigan residents and families in the wake of vague executive orders mandating statewide small business closures and a lack of state services addressing the widespread layoffs.

“Hard-working families are hurting in Northern Michigan and throughout the state because the governor is failing to provide answers to the people her policies have impacted,” said Wentworth. “Good people are simply trying to put food on the table while their businesses sit closed due to COVID-19, and state government should not make that any harder than it absolutely has to be.”

Governor Whitmer’s failure to address the chronic failure of the Unemployment Insurance Agency to keep up with new filings is seriously impacting Michigan families. The problem is also getting worse. Legislative offices have begun receiving an “out of office” reply from the UIA email account servicing member inquiries, and families who contact the state looking for help are leaving empty handed.

“Many of the businesses who have been forced to close don’t even belong under the guidelines, while others are left in limbo because of unclear direction from the state,” said Wentworth. “They are all waiting for the governor to clarify her executive orders and provide answers, but no one knows if those answers will ever come. With warmer weather coming, this is a large concern for seasonal business owners, especially in our community.”

Wentworth said House and Senate leadership have been working with the governor to bring constituent issues directly to her and have offered dozens of draft recommendations for clarifications and common-sense exemptions, but the administration has been extremely slow to act.

“If the Governor wants to extend the stay at home order, the people of Michigan deserve answers and they need them now,” said Wentworth. “She needs to explain to the people who are counting on her what the plan is to help people who have been hurt by her actions, what her plan is to ease restrictions so small businesses can plan ahead, and how she is making these decisions so families can have peace of mind about the changes they are facing.”

For the latest news and information from the governor, including her executive orders, Michigan residents should visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. For health-related questions about coronavirus, they can call 1-888-535-6136. The hotline is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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