Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, a frequent critic of how the governor has fought the pandemic, did not say how he believes he contracted COVID-19.
From a contentious election to disagreements on how to address COVID-19, last year proved divisive. Here's what leaders say could bring Michiganders together in 2021.
Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey confirms he had COVID-19 in December Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press
First COVID-19 vaccines administered at University of Michigan
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The leader of the Michigan Senate who has often criticized the state s approach to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic tested positive for the coronavirus in December, a spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 on Dec. 23, said Amber McCann, a Shirkey spokeswoman. McCann said the lawmaker believes he was exposed on Dec. 19 and had not been in the Capitol since Dec. 18, the last day the full Senate met in session for the year.
Senate Republicans mull rejecting Whitmer appointees until coronavirus restrictions are lifted
Updated Jan 13, 2021;
Posted Jan 13, 2021
Sen. Jim Stamas listens as votes are taken at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Neil Blake | MLive.comNeil Blake | MLive.com
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As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a continuation of the statewide, indoor restaurant dining ban through at least Feb. 1, frustrated Senate Republicans floated the possibility of rejecting gubernatorial appointees until COVID-19 related closures cease.
Some of the previous restrictions were lifted under the latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services 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.
New Michigan House Speaker names ethics reform as top priority
Updated Jan 13, 2021;
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Michigan House Republicans are staking out ethics reform as their top legislative priority for the new session, announcing legislation to beef up the state’s conflict of interest policies for lawmakers and an initiative to limit the power of legislative “lame duck” session.
During a Wednesday morning press conference ahead of the first day of the new legislative session, House Speaker-elect Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Pamela Hornberger, R-Chesterfield Township, unveiled the first bill to be introduced in the legislative session, which they said would prohibit state lawmakers from voting on bills that could personally benefit them, their families or any entities they have a stake in.