Michigan Lawmakers React To Whitmer's 3rd State Of The State

LANSING, MI — Soon after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wrapped up her third State of the State address Wednesday evening, Democrat and Republican lawmakers from around the state chimed in with their impressions of the virtual speech.

Some state legislators said they were happy with Whitmer's talking points, which included returning to a state of normalcy out of the coronavirus pandemic, the state's rollout plan for the COVID-19 vaccine and working with the state legislature.

“As we begin the new year, I appreciate the governor’s call to work on a bipartisan basis as it is important to keep Michiganders safe and promote policies that will help Michigan’s economy recover by supporting small businesses and the employees who depend of them," said Michigan Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills).

"Parents, students, employers and employees in our district are hurting," Tisdel continued. "They are frustrated and they fear what the next months will bring. Job providers need certainty and consistency from state government. Parents deserve to have their kids return to school and play competitive sports in a safe environment."

Read More: Pandemic, Vaccine Rollout Focuses Of Whitmer State Of The State

But others weren't so impressed by the governor's words, among them Michigan's Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey who said Whitmer had "singled out" the state's hospitality industry with a series of executive orders closing down indoor dining and large gatherings with people from other households.

"Government draws its authority from the consent of the governed," Shirkey said. "The people we represent did not consent to Gov. Whitmer’s continued closures. The people of Michigan want and deserve answers."

Justin Winslow, the president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and someone who has been vocal about how Whitmer's executive orders have hurt Michigan businesses, said he was encouraged by the governor's commitment going forward to grow the state's economy.

"We maintain that there is no faster way to build back better than through the systematic, expedited vaccination of Michigan’s hospitality industry," Winslow said. "Michigan hotels and restaurants represent 10 percent of the state’s GDP and more than 12 percent of its workforce, yet have lost 3,000 restaurants and more than 200,000 jobs since the onset of the pandemic. Vaccination will provide safety to frontline workers, allow for the stable reintegration of Michigan’s second largest employer and restore public confidence that they may safely dine and travel once again."

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch