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!