Governor Whitmer Testifies Before Congress Regarding Michigan COVID-19 Response

Published 6/2/2020
12:46pm

Governor Whitmer Testifies Before Congress Regarding Michigan COVID-19 Response

See Governor Whitmer's Full Testimony Here

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Today, in testimony delivered remotely before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Governor Whitmer called on the federal government to help states like Michigan ensure and promote widespread testing for COVID-19. The governor also highlighted the aggressive action Michigan has taken in the fight against COVID-19, including the state’s efforts to secure personal protective equipment for frontline workers, expand testing capacity and eligibility, and address health disparities in communities of color.

“Since I first declared an emergency in response to this pandemic, my administration has taken aggressive measures to fight the spread of COVID-19, prevent the rapid depletion of the state’s critical health care resources, and lower the chance of a devastating second wave,” said Governor Whitmer. “We need the White House to create a specific, long-term plan outlining how the federal government will ensure we have adequate testing supplies so we can gather the data we need to make informed decisions about re-engaging our economies. And we would all benefit from a guarantee of free testing nationwide coupled with a robust federal messaging campaign to encourage Americans to get tested.”

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“As we re-engage Michigan’s economy, we know it is crucial we do this incrementally. The worst thing we can do is to open up in a way that causes a second wave of infections and death, putting our frontline heroes at further risk and extending the economic crisis. We have to get this right.”

The governor also echoed her calls on the federal government to help states address the significant revenue shortfalls they are facing after dedicating resources to saving lives and protecting frontline heroes.

“Right now, the language in the CARES Act does not provide states with the flexibility we need to address our revenue shortfalls. A broader solution is needed to provide states with additional support and this critical flexibility. I thank members of the House for their work and hope that Congress and the Administration can come together to get it done.”

Click here to read Governor Whitmer's complete testimony

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Update 5/31/2020

More than 38,000 people in Michigan have recovered from Coronavirus the state reported on Saturday. Earlier in the week, officials announced the likely loosening of more virus-related restrictions within the state to be announced soon.

Miss Michigan 2019, Mallory Rivard will continue her reign as the 2020 pageant was canceled due to COVID-19. Rivard, now Miss Michigan 2020, hails from Bay City.

A Mecosta County teen was arrested on Saturday for attempted murder. The 14 year old girl stabbed another 14 year old girl multiple times. The victim, who is from Big Rapids, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

BLACK LIVES MATTER
An East Point man was killed when an unknown suspect fired a gun into a vehicle in Detroit. It happened as protesters assembled in response to the murder of George Floyd.

What began as a silent march evolved into a violent protest in Grand Rapids on Saturday. On Sunday morning, volunteers streamed to the city streets to clean up the damage.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson joined protesters in Flint on Saturday night, in response to the murder of George Floyd. While there is significant unrest across the nation and even in other Michigan cities, the protest in Flint, which occurred in the area of Miller Road in Flint Township, was peaceful.

A planned protest by a group opposed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer that was to take place at the State Capitol was canceled as George Floyd protests across the nation grew violent. Organizers have condemned the riots.

The City of Lansing has implemented an overnight curfew in response to protests that turned violent. The curfew went into effect immediately upon issue on Sunday night; closing down the city from 9pm to 5am.

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