Monroe Review

State Rep. Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance) said that he supports a safety-focused approach to restarting Michigan’s struggling economy, according Michigan House Republicans. He also says that he supports reestablishing a "semblance of normalcy" in the COVID-19 crisis.

Republicans in the House unveiled a plan to help move the state forward toward a much-needed restart. The new plan is based on the predominance and risk factors of the effects of the novel coronavirus, and these vary from region to region.

A task force would be assembled to determine which counties could safely have some restraints eased more quickly, However, since some counties are suffering with more cases than others, the restrictions would have to be released on a county-by-county basis.

“Protecting the health of Michigan families must remain our top concern. That’s why it’s the centerpiece of our plan,” said Sheppard, according to Michigan House Republicans. “As the curve flattens and COVID-19 cases decline in some areas, this tiered approach will allow us to start making sensible adjustments in communities that haven’t experienced high concentrations of the virus.”

Under the new plan Sheppard supports, a task force would be assembled to discuss how the state will be reopened. Some of the members of the new task force would include representatives from Gov. Whitmer’s administration. Members of the Legislature and outside groups would also be included.

Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, which have the vast majority of the coronavirus cases in the state, would have the strictest restrictions. The less-affected counties would be placed in tiers with fewer restraints.

According to Sheppard, the task force would help decide which jobs and activities could be reopened safely.

“Some of the governor’s orders have been overly restrictive and placed our economy in peril, but I realize she is in a difficult position and I do appreciate her efforts to protect Michiganders from this virus,” Sheppard told Michigan House Republicans.

“Moving forward, it’s time for her to stop using a one-size-fits-all approach and start taking a regional, risk-based approach. House Republicans have a solid, well-thought-out plan, and we stand ready and willing to work with her to help our state get back to normal,” he added.