St. Clair Today

The past year has offered the Michigan Legislature plenty to consider as it helps develop policy that best serves the residents of the state, an opportunity Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Township) takes to heart.

The COVID-19 pandemic, of course, is drawing a significant portion of the state’s attention. According to statistics from MiSenateGOP, more than 10,000 residents have died from the coronavirus, and the more than 400,000 have tested positive, while millions have lost jobs as a result.

The Legislature has been at odds with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has mostly chosen a unilateral path using executive orders, rather than working with the Legislature. However, the Michigan Supreme Court determined Whitmer’s actions were unconstitutional. But Whitmer proceeded to issue orders through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), ignoring the intent of the ruling.

Sen. Dan Lauwers | #MiSenateGOP

Despite complications, Senate Republicans have worked with members across the aisle to provide resources to state residents in need of assistance. Lauwers offered a number of examples in which the state has helped residents directly, such as extending unemployment benefits, reversing harmful nursing home policies, reducing the cost of child care and ensuring that coronavirus testing is available.

The state has made an effort to help workers on the front lines battling the pandemic, passing a bill providing liability protection to frontline medical workers and making sure nursing homes have funding and an increase in pay for their staffs.

Schools received much-needed help in the form of allowing decisions to be made at the local level and requiring two-way interaction with students and teachers. Small businesses have received grants, extended income tax deadlines and are able to create safe workplaces.

Lauwers said Whitmer has vetoed a number of the measures he supported.

In terms of the general election, Lauwers said the Michigan State and House Oversight Committees have begun hearings on any potential irregularities to either dispel myths and rumors or reveal the truth. The basic focus is to ensure fair elections and strengthen current laws.

“Despite any personal hopes for the outcome of the recent election, I do not anticipate a different result, absent intervention by our highest courts,” Lauwers said, according to MiSenateGOP. “While the U.S. Constitution gives state legislatures the power to determine how to appoint electors, Michigan in 1954 spelled out in statute the manner in which electors are to be selected. That law does not allow the Legislature to reject certification or appoint different presidential electors. Any change to the law, like all legislative changes, would ultimately require the governor’s signature.”