Michigan State Senator Dan Lauwers is heading up an effort to get some clarity and consistency in Executive Orders when dealing with the rules for local government meetings. Current regulations restrict in-person meetings, which can create a burden on people who are just trying to do their jobs.
Lauwers pointed out that local Boards of Review are required to meet on March 2nd, but are restricted to gatherings of no more than ten people and no more than two households. While meeting online has been an answer to restrictions on gatherings for nearly a year, it is not always possible in the 25th Senate District, with vast rural areas in St. Clair, Sanilac, and Huron counties, that Lauwers represents.
In a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lauwers said, “State government should not be issuing and enforcing orders that limit residents’ access to their local elected officials and the community entities necessary to carry out the functions of municipal life. It is the responsibility of government to consider the impact of its policies and account for unintended consequences. In short, it is the responsibility of government to use common sense.”
The letter was signed by nine State Senators.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
