MCRGO E'News
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MICHIGAN COALITION FOR
RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS
"Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through
education, litigation, and legislation"
MCRGO MONDAY E'NEWS
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COVID-19 Update from the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives
Right now, everybody is feeling the impact. Our schedules, habits and lives have
temporarily changed, but hopefully we can get back to normal soon. The American
people are resilient, and we will get through this just like we have any other
challenge. And Coronavirus isn't playing politics right now, so neither should we.
Let's be positive and optimistic, even when faced with uncertainty. One thing I
know is this: fear and confusion can be just as contagious as the virus itself.
I've got confidence in the American people and faith in God that we will prevail
quickly.
This week, I have personally worked with the Trump and Whitmer administrations to
ensure a swift response for Michigan families that are feeling the impact of Coronavirus.
(I commend them both.) The Michigan legislature unanimously passed a $150M budget
bill to deal directly with COVID-19 and ensure that the people of our state receive
the services that they need during this difficult situation. This is the 4th most
funding of any state thus far, but we know more is needed in the coming weeks and
months.
Please see below for a short update regarding specific issues:
Statewide Shutdown: While we've all heard the rumors of a mandatory state shutdown,
I have been in constant communication with the Governor. What I can tell you is
this: there is no current plan or even conversation about a mandatory "Shelter in
Place" for Michigan. The National Guard has only been utilized to deliver services
and get health supplies to local health departments. Please do what you can to dispel
of the "shutdown" or "quarantine" rumor. We have enough confusion right now. I will
certainly let you know if anything changes.
Worship Services: The Governor clarified that the Executive Order (limiting assemblies)
will not be enforced against places of worship. The order stays in place (no more
than 50 people) and the Trump administration still recommends we not gather in large
crowds (10 or more), but this amendment was appreciated personally by me. (Thank
you, Governor.) People have a God-given right to assemble and worship, and that
right is secured by both the United States and Michigan Constitution. While I do
not think that that right can be taken away by an Executive Order, I believe that
as Christians we also have a duty to love our fellow man and play our role within
society. My recommendation is to find ways that you can abide within the order to
the best of your ability. At times, we cancel services because the meteorologist
predicts inclement weather. Why do we do this? Because we want people to stay safe.
In some ways, this is no different, albeit more serious. God commands that we assemble
together and worship, but please find ways to do so within the state and federal
recommendations if possible.
Business: We in the legislature have been working closely with the Governor to ensure
that her Executive Orders are as narrowly tailored as possible to ensure there aren't
many unintended consequences. We have been working on several plans to support small
business across our state and have submitted them to the Governor. They are our
backbone. I have spoken to many small businesses across the state and their Lansing
associations and am delivering another recommendation letter to the Governor this
afternoon from the House Republican caucus. On a personal level, find a way to support
your local small businesses and restaurants and employees. Remember all the times
that they've been there for us. It's now our time to give back. Order takeout. Volunteer.
Find out what's needed and help out!
Education: We need to do all that we can to provide peace of mind for all parents,
school teachers and administrators. (As for parents, my wife and I know what you're
going through right now! This current snowstorm isn't helping either.) Before the
decision is made of whether or not school days need to be made up (or how many),
we are waiting to fully assess the situation and evaluate how many days are needed
off in totality. We want to make sure, however, that school employees are taken
care of, contracts are followed and kids still receive an education while not losing
a complete summer. There will be more decisions on this in the days and weeks to
come. If you have thoughts on this, please share.
National Comparison: For your information, here is where Michigan ranks in terms
of how states (Republican and Democrat) are handling this issue:
Funding: Out of 21 states that have finalized state funding for their coronavirus
outbreak response, we have allocated the 4th highest amount.
1. California $1.1 Billion
2. Minnesota $200 Million
3. Washington $200 Million
4. Michigan $150 Million
5. Georgia $100 Million
School Closures: There are only five states (Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine and Missouri)
that have not mandated statewide school closures. Of these five states that have
not mandated that schools close, the vast majority of schools within these states
have chosen to close on their own.
Gathering Limits: Thirty-one states' executives have mandated statewide gathering
limits. Sixteen of these states, a majority, have limits at gatherings of over 50
people, which aligns with Governor Whitmer's E.O. 2020-11. Six states have limits
at gatherings of over 10 people (Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas and Wisconsin).
Two states, California and New York, as of today are under a "Shelter-in-Place."
Restaurants and Bar Closures: Thirty-five states have implemented closures of bars
and dine-in closures for restaurants.
Casinos: Twenty-two states have closed their casinos statewide. (Keep in mind that
not all states have casinos so this could be considered more of an outlier statistic.)
Recreation (gyms, theaters, spas, etc): Twenty-two states have closed their gyms/museums/theaters,
or other types of indoor recreation. However, if a state has mandated a statewide
gathering limit and has not closed these types of businesses, they are enforcing
gathering limits at these locations.
Please - if you have any questions that are specific to COVID-19, I encourage you
to call the state hotline at 1-888-535-6136. Let's address this early and move on
as a state and country. We have all been impacted. Our lives have all temporarily
changed. Let's find people who need help and offer it. My goal is that we take this
seriously but do not overreact. Whatever the outcome or however long this lasts,
this one thing I know: the same God that had providentially blessed our country
will continue to take care of us now. This too shall pass!
-Representative Lee Chatfield (R-Levering)
Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives
MCRGO Note: This message from Speaker Chatfield was released on Friday afternoon
3/20/20. Due to the quickly evolving nature of the response to pandemic, some details
included in the message may have changed over the weekend before publication by
MCRGO on Monday morning. MCRGO has not edited the original message to reflect any
changes over the past 60 hours.
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