Sen. Johnson supports COVID-19 protection measures

Sen. Johnson supports COVID-19 protection measures

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Ruth Johnson announced on Wednesday that the state Senate has voted to finalize several COVID-19 protection measures in the wake of a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that struck down the governor’s coronavirus-related executive orders.

The bills now head to the governor.

“These bills will continue vital unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Johnson, R-Holly. “Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, these measures are needed to preserve this financial lifeline for Michigan workers and families who are struggling.

“We have also added additional COVID-19 protections for Michigan seniors living in our state’s nursing facilities.”

Senate Bills 886 and 911 would continue unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks for eligible workers out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. House Bill 6192 would extend expiration deadlines for Michigan driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations until Dec. 31, 2020.

SB 1094 would reduce the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes by implementing recommendations of the Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force. Among other things, this bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to implement a process to create Care and Recovery Centers within nursing homes for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Legislature also finalized a bill to allow boards of local governments and other public entities to meet electronically for a limited time and still engage the general public and a measure to provide liability protections for health care providers for services related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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