Bergman, Other Michigan Congressional Reps Send Letter To Whitmer Over Order

Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), Paul Mitchell (MI-10), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), John Moolenaar (MI-04), Fred Upton (MI-06), and Tim Walberg (MI-07) sent a letter to Governor Whitmer expressing concerns with her expanded Stay Home Stay Safe executive order, which is in place through April 30.

"During this time, I’ve put politics aside to work with our governor to do what’s best for the state and what’s right for northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula," Bergman said. "However, I disagree with the governor's most recent actions, which have disproportionately hurt the First District. I'm disappointed with the latest orders which are riddled with inconsistencies, as well as the lack of testing being given here."

Representatives jointly told Whitmer in the letter that "you were right to issue your initial executive order to slow the spread of the virus in an effort to 'flatten the curve.' You also are well within your rights and authorities as governor – while working with the state legislature and within the bounds of the Constitution – to issue directives and guidance that you feel best serves our state. Unfortunately, your latest order is far too restrictive and includes provisions that seem arbitrary and internally inconsistent."

Representatives continued that Michigan businesses could follow social distancing guidelines and still be allowed to operate, adding that if they failed to "establish and enforce proper social distancing or if citizens’ actions begin to endanger each other, then the state could take additional well-defined action. But most people recognize the dangers of coronavirus and will act responsibly." The letter concludes: "Instead of needlessly shutting down large sectors of the economy and further restricting the lives of residents, we believe amending (the executive order) can achieve our shared goal of protecting public health while also beginning the slow process of resuscitating our economy."