This week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced an epidemic order to curb the rampant rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths throughout Michigan. This action comes in the wake of a press conference held last week with hospital leaders from around the state who sounded the alarm that our health care system would quickly be overwhelmed if we stay the course without taking any action, and school districts reverting to virtual learning after seeing a dangerous rise in positive cases among teachers, students, and staff.
This epidemic order, set to last three weeks beginning this coming Wednesday, is far more targeted than what we saw in the spring — ensuring that we address some of the most high-risk opportunities for virus transmission while still allowing safe activities to continue, and many of our business sectors to stay open and moving.
The good news is that there are two promising vaccines that have been reported to be over 90% effective in early trials, one from Pfizer — which was partially developed, manufactured, and will be distributed from right here in Michigan — and one from Moderna.
This means there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I know this year has been challenging on all of us. And while it will still be several months before these vaccines complete testing and become widely available to most people, it means we can see the other side of this unprecedented crisis.
Michiganders have done incredible work to mask up, practice social distancing, and keep ourselves and others safe. We can do this.
In This Edition:
- Legislative Updates
Bill Status from the Senate Floor
Update from Senator McMorrow’s Committees - Sen. McMorrow Appointed to Two Workgroups on Workforce Development and Mobility
- COVID-19 Resources
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Bill Status from the Senate Floor
Senate Bill 934: This bill allows small wine makers to sell and deliver to retailers what had previously been known as mixed spirit drinks before that language was moved into the definition of wine in Senate Bill 1139. Practically, this allows manufacturers to deliver canned cocktails to retailers.
Mixed Spirits Legislative Package
- Senate Bill 1138: This bill allows small distillers to sell and deliver directly to retailers if the spirits are sold and delivered by the distillers’ employees using company vehicles, and if all laws and rules are complied with.
- Senate Bill 1139: This bill eliminates the definition of mixed spirit drink and moves the details of the definition into the definition of wine. The bill also changes the maximum allowable alcohol by volume of such a drink from 10% to 16%. The bill sets new fees on vehicles used to distribute wine and spirits from small distillers to retailers.
- Senate Bill 1140: This bill eliminates references to mixed spirit drink, mixed spirit manufacturer and outstate mixed spirit manufacturer, and changes references of retail licensee and licensee to retailer. These bills have advanced to third reading and are likely to have a vote from the full Senate when session resumes again.
- Senate Bill 1052: This bill directs that Promise Zones may expend funds for fees, books, supplies, and equipment only if they are provided to do so in an authority’s Promise Zone development plan. Otherwise, funds could only be expended on tuition and fees for enrollment and attendance at a school. Passed the Senate on Nov. 12 by a vote of 36-0.
Updates from Sen. McMorrow’s Committees
Insurance and Banking
Last week, the Senate Committee on Insurance and Banking heard testimony on a package of bills that would create the “Financial Exploitation Act.” This package includes the following bills and goals:
- Senate Bill 464 would require a financial institution to develop and implement a policy for training employees to recognize signs of financial exploitation.
- Senate Bill 465 would amend the Social Welfare Act to allow a county department of social services to inform a financial institution that made a report of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the status of an investigation.
- Senate Bill 862 would amend the Social Welfare Act to specify that a provision requiring a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in the performance of its duties under the Act to be made available to the public in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act would apply except as provided in the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act.
Energy and Technology
Last week, the Senate Committee on Energy and Technology considered the following bills:
- Senate Bill 1133 would create the Propane Commission Act. The legislation would initiate a new commission housed in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The bill provides a mechanism for retail propane marketers to vote on a referendum for an assessment of 1/10 of 1 cent per gallon of propane sold in the state. If passed the funds collected would be placed in a Propane Commission Fund to be used at the direction of the Propane Commission.
The bill was reported from committee and now moves to the floor for a vote. In its current form, I could not support the bill. Mirroring the concerns brought forth by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), I believe the state needs to move past the use of fossil fuels and start investing in renewable energy sources; this legislation encourages the opposite. Additionally, the state is currently involved in litigation with propane distributors over misleading marketing practices — I believe those litigations need to be settled before movement on this legislation. - We also heard testimony and voted on House Bills 5426 and 5247. These bills would amend 2017 PA 132, the Cyber Civilian Corps Act. The Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps is a program under which civilians may volunteer to provide rapid response assistance to municipal, educational, or nonprofits during a cyber incident.
Both bills were reported from committee with full support.
SEN. MCMORROW APPOINTED TO TWO WORKGROUPS TO GROW MICHIGAN’S ECONOMY
Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification
On Feb. 25, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-2 creating the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification, housed within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), to replace the Council on Future Mobility, which was abolished under the order. The Council will serve in an advisory capacity to LEO and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the governor, and the legislature, and will provide annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the council will work to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.
The Council will consist of directors from the Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity; Transportation; Insurance and Financial Services; State Police; Treasury; Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; and, the chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission. Additionally, the governor appoints 10 members: 9 members who represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility and one member who represents insurance interests. After the initial appointments, members serve for 4-year terms.
Michigan Workforce Development Board
The Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. It will act as an advisory body and assist the governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan’s four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with advancing the governor’s 60-by-30 goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a postsecondary degree or certification by 2030.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Want to be alerted if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19? A free, voluntary, anonymous, secure app is now available to alert you if you’ve been exposed to someone who voluntarily reports a positive COVID-19 test.
This app was piloted in Ingham County and is now available statewide.
Over the past few months, I’ve received a notification every time there’s been a positive COVID-19 case in the Senate, and it’s really helped me ensure I’m using every precaution and make smart decisions not only for myself, but my staff and family too. Knowledge is power.
>> You can download it in the Android or iPhone App Store by searching MI COVID ALERT.
Michigan Hospital CEOs’ Message
In a recent virtual panel, the chief executive officers of Michigan’s largest hospital systems — including John Fox, CEO of Beaumont Health Systems — came together to sound the alarm and alert citizens of the growing numbers of COVID-19 cases. They described the increase in positive cases as “frightening” and expressed their concerns about their staff’s capacity to care for patients.
>> You can watch the entire conference here.
Additionally, effective Nov. 10, Beaumont hospitals in Royal Oak, Troy, and Grosse Pointe reinstated visitor safety restrictions to protect patients, staff, and the community as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise. Henry Ford Health System followed suit shortly after.
As we head into the winter months, we have compiled a few resources below to help you prepare for the stress that holidays can bring along with the added stress and emotions you can face with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic:
- “COVID-19 stress isn’t taking a break for the holidays: How experts say you should cope”: At a time of the year when large gatherings are frequent, we will be faced with many challenges and difficult decisions on how best to safely navigate our choices and stay safe. This article outlines how the holidays in 2020 could bring additional triggers for stress in both adults and children. Making alternate plans for how you may need to celebrate the holidays, which this article offers several examples of, is a great way to curb the holiday blues in 2020.
- “Managing Stress During COVID-19”: This article outlines the groups that are most at risk for stress and offers 5 helpful tips to reduce stress.
- “How to Survive When Working from Home with Kids”: Many working parents are continuing to juggle an ever-changing daycare/school environment with kids at home while trying to work remotely. This article dives into how to set expectations, establish a routine, and enlist in help.
- “Stress, Depression, and the Holidays: Tips for Coping”: The holidays can be a stressful time for many during a normal year, but the added stress and concern this year with COVID-19 could exacerbate it even more. This article details 10 helpful tips to PREVENT holiday stress and depression. With planning and positive thinking, you can find joy and peace this holiday season.
>> Additionally, our office has compiled a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources and links on Senator McMorrow’s website.