Representative pleased governor listened to legislators, loosened stay-home order

State Rep. Julie Calley today was named to a bipartisan oversight committee to review and assess the state’s actions during the coronavirus outbreak.

Calley, of Portland, will serve on the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. In total, the bipartisan committee will include five legislators each from the House and the Senate. Its existence will better protect the people of Michigan and maintain key foundations of state government – checks and balances, involvement of the Legislature and its role as a conduit to the people it represents.

“The people of Michigan deserve to be part of the conversation when it comes to how our state responds to this ever-evolving situation,” Calley said. “In my role as state representative, I serve as a voice of the people. I’m privileged to have this opportunity to advocate for their interests and locate the answers they deserve, as our state continues to address the health and economic devastation this virus has caused.”

Calley also said she is pleased the governor has decided to heed the recommendations of legislators who have implored her to allow certain workers to return to their jobs and loosen restrictions on the sale of goods and services, outdoor activities, and the freedom to travel between residences.

The revised stay-at-home order announced by Gov. Whitmer today allows residents to purchase items from additional businesses through curbside pick-up and delivery, something legislators have been fighting for to improve the lives of residents and put people back to work.

“While easing these restrictions is a big step in the right direction, there are many more changes we should be making to address the needs of families who are struggling,” Calley said. “The one-size-fits-all approach the governor continues to take is unnecessarily hurting people who live in areas outside southeast Michigan, where we aren’t experiencing high concentrations of the virus. It’s time to stop treating everyone in the state the same and start looking for solutions that allow more people in rural areas to get back to work.”

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