House recommendations within new executive order will protect livelihoods

State Rep. Jack O’Malley, of Lake Ann, today said general loosening within an extended ‘stay home’ order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will allow some people in Michigan to resume working while doing so safely in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

But O’Malley also noted that the administration has a long way to go in terms of enacting a real, sensible long-term strategy.

The move extends the current state order through May 15, but some suspended activities under the most recent directive can resume. This includes sectors that had been previously recommended for re-opening by Michigan House members – such as landscapers, lawn-service companies and nurseries, as well as retailers selling “non-essential” items through curbside pick-up or delivery. Large box stores can reopen areas that had been cordoned off and bike repair and maintenance shops can also come back online, as long as strict social distancing measures are kept in place.

“This relaxing is a relief for some of our Michigan workers trying to make ends meet and support themselves and their families,” said O’Malley. “This new order shows that some areas of the private sector can operate while we emphasize public health. I’m hopeful we can continue to flatten the curve of cases and that people continue to take distancing directives seriously, so we can show that this doesn’t have to be an either-or situation.

“As this process continues, we can also look at more enhanced and common-sense re-opening measures. Certain industries such as construction can be done while keeping workers safe. There are also regions of the state that aren’t being impacted the way southeast Michigan has been. It makes sense to loosen additional restrictions on those specific areas and in more sectors, and I look forward to seeing a plan that will do that.”

The order also opens up more recreational opportunities, such as motorized boating, golf rounds without the use of carts and travel to and from a non-primary residence.

In early April, Michigan reported the nation’s highest insured unemployment rate over the course of a week, checking in at 17.4 percent according to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics. The Workforce Intelligence Network estimates the state could see unemployment around 25 to 30 percent in southeast Michigan for the month of April.

“In certain areas of the state, you’re looking at unemployment numbers worse than the Great Depression,” O’Malley said. “Through loosened restrictions and a continued commitment to safety, we can start chipping away at these numbers and we continue to chip away at this public health emergency. This is a good step forward, but it’s a small step. We need to start taking larger ones in the near future.”

O’Malley will also have an additional role as state government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak continues. The first-term legislator was named to a new joint bipartisan oversight committee that will review past, present and future executive orders from the governor during the crisis and any issues that arise during their implementation.

The Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic features legislators from both parties in the House and the Senate and will better protect people. It also works to maintain a pivotal principle in the structure of state government – involvement of the Legislature and its role as a voice of the people.

“I think this committee exemplifies an integral pillar of state government – the separation of powers and ensuring different branches and departments are operating as effectively and efficiently as they can for the people,” O’Malley said. “I look forward to bringing my experience in emergency management to the table and helping to implement best practices in decision-making and preparedness moving forward.”