Michigan lawmakers came back to the state Capitol building in Lansing on Wednesday to kick off the new legislative session, although circumstances remain far from normal. Both the House and Senate convened for the first time in the new session Wednesday, with the state House formally electing Rep. Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, as new House speaker. Lawmakers face continued challenges dealing with .
LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Hours after he called the latest announcement from Governor Whitmer “another display of the tone-deaf response we continue to hear from the Governor”, it was learned the office for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey admitted he was sick over Christmas with COVID-19.
According to spokeswoman Amber McCann, Shirkey tested positive December 23 and reported it to the Senate Business Office.
McCann was quoted in the Detroit Free Press as saying, “Senator Shirkey experienced a fever and was fatigued. He quarantined and recovered at home. Senator Shirkey reported his positive test result to the Senate Business Office in accordance with Senate policy.”
House allows for remote participation in committee meetings, but reps must be present to vote
Updated Jan 14, 2021;
Posted Jan 14, 2021
Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso holds his mask while speaking with members of the press on Tuesday Oct. 20, 2020 at the Capitol in Lansing Nicole Hester/Mlive.com
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LANSING, MI - The Michigan House will allow for remote participation in committee meetings, a new rule designed to mitigate COVID-19 spread.
Lawmakers approved House Resolution 1 on Wednesday, Jan. 13, which allows committee members to remotely deliberate on bills, though lawmakers still must be physically present to vote on anything.
The Michigan Legislature’s internal COVID-19 protocols faced delays in sessions multiple times last year as contact tracing was activated due to positive cases among lawmakers and staff. Wednesday’s rule change represents a small step towards bolstering spread prevention in the Capitol, which lagged behind other Republican-led legislat
Hollier says, “The phrase ‘election fraud’ is a dog whistle and code for finding ways that the votes cast by minorities in cities like Detroit can be tossed.
Whitmer ‘hopes’ to reopen indoor dining Feb. 1 with capacity limits, curfew
Updated Jan 13, 2021;
Posted Jan 13, 2021
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Michigan is extending the dine-in ban again, although Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said state leaders hope to reopen restaurants on Feb. 1 when the latest extension expires.
If Michigan’s COVID-19 numbers keep declining, Whitmer said indoor dining may be allowed to restart Feb. 1 with mask requirements, capacity limits and a curfew.
More restrictions have been lifted under the latest order, which goes into effect on Saturday, Jan. 16. Indoor fitness classes and non-contact sports can restart, while indoor dining, water parks and night clubs are among the sectors still closed.