State lawmakers considering 6 COVID bills
State lawmakers went back into session on Tuesday and already have six bills under consideration to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But none of the bills include a mask mandate or financial support for workers or businesses devastated by the coronavirus.
What’s happening: The six bills under consideration aim to tackle very specific aspects of the pandemic, from teacher shortages to healthcare.
- SB 1021 would allow licensed Canadian health professionals to work in Michigan.
- HB 4342 would temporarily allow school districts to hire unlicensed substitute teachers who meet certain criteria.
- HB 5715 would allow health care facilities to set up temporary mobile clinics.
- HB 5721 would require health insurers to cover 60-day emergency prescription refills and up to a 90-day early refill during the pandemic.
- HB 5724 would loosen rules governing medical workers to allow more people to provide medical care during the COVID-19 health crisis.
- HB 6448 would allow critical energy infrastructure workers to return to work if they are not displaying any primary symptoms of COVID-19.
What’s not Happening: There is no legislation requiring mask usage or providing financial support to workers or businesses harmed by the pandemic.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is specifically pushing lawmakers to pass legislation that would require people to wear masks while in public. She is also asking the legislature to approve $100 million for COVID-19 relief.
You can read more here.
Support local. Donate today to Kalamazoo's only locally owned and independent daily news organization.
