Dear Friends,

 

I hope you and your family are staying safe during this difficult time. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns you might have.

 

Sincerely,

Angela Witwer

State Representative, 71st House District

 

COVID-19 Update

Since the beginning of this crisis, we have been dedicated to preserving the health and well-being of Michigan residents throughout the state. The actions we’ve taken have successfully slowed the spread of COVID-19 and saved lives — but we’ve got to keep it up. That’s why Gov. Whitmer announced today that her Stay Home, Stay Safe order will remain in effect until Thursday, May 28.

 

Even though there’s more work to be done to eliminate the threat of this virus, Gov. Whitmer is using her MI Safe Start Plan to reengage certain industries and activities, including construction (beginning Thursday, May 7) and manufacturing (beginning Monday, May 11), as long as specific safeguards are put in place to protect the health of each and every worker.

 

Below you’ll find more information about Gov. Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan.

 

Six Phases of the MI Safe Start Plan

 

1) UNCONTROLLED GROWTH: The number of new cases increases every day, overwhelming our health systems. Only critical infrastructure workers may continue working.

 

2) PERSISTENT SPREAD: We continue to see high case levels with concern about health system capacity. Critical infrastructure workers continue to work with additional types of recreation allowed.

 

3) FLATTENING: Cases are no longer increasing, and the health-system’s capacity is sufficient for current needs. Specific low-risk industries, like construction, manufacturing, real estate and outdoor work may resume operations with strict workplace safety measures. This is where Michigan is currently.

 

4) IMPROVING: Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are clearly declining. Additional low-risk activities like retail and in-person office work may resume if remote work isn’t possible with strict safety measures in place. Small gatherings may also resume.

 

5) CONTAINING: Continued case and death rate improvements, with outbreaks quickly contained. Most businesses, including restaurants, bars, in-person K-12 and higher education, and travel may resume with strict mitigation measures. Larger gatherings may take place.

 

6) POST-PANDEMIC: Community spread not expected to return due to high uptake of effective treatment or vaccine. All businesses and gatherings may resume with new safety guidance and procedures.

 

We’re finally beginning to turn the tide in our fight against this pandemic, but we’ll only be able to maintain our progress if we continue staying home and staying safe whenever possible. We’ll get through this and we’ll do it together.

 

Coffee Hours

I will be hosting virtual coffee hours every Friday at 2 p.m. on Facebook Live, with the next one being today, May 8.

 

 

MDOT Update

As many of you are aware, construction on I-496 has been continuing during this time.

How Will Traffic be Affected:

  • Eastbound I-496 will be detoured via I-96 to Lansing Road.
  • Ramps to eastbound I-496 will be closed from I-96, Creyts Road and Waverly Road.

If you travel this route, please refer to the MDOT website for more information.

I also have been in contact with MDOT regarding the loss of landscaping in the area. They have agreed to discuss tree plantings along the projects.

 

To address the noise/tree concerns:

MDOT is willing to discuss tree plantings along the project with community members who have been affected by the loss of trees and is staying in close contact with me and my office staff. There are a few constraints such as no trees in front slopes, no trees that present long-term maintenance concerns and trees need to be hardy enough to survive salt spray. MDOT has a Resource Specialist who can help with species selection and planting layout when it becomes time to plant trees in the area.

 

For updates regarding this project please subscribe here.

 

Unemployment Assistance

I know a lot of you have experienced confusion and frustration with the unemployment process. Please know my office and the UIA office is working hard to help you with each of your cases. Please reach out to our office if you are having an issue — we will do what we can to help.

When you do reach out to our office, please provide your:

  • Full first and last name
  • Phone number
  • Summary of issue
  • Address
  • Claim number if you have it

 

Resources we have created

My office has prepared several resources for residents and small business owners to help navigate this difficult time:

  • If you need help navigating unemployment;
  • If you need assistance in finding your next meal, or meals for your students;
  • If you are a small business owner and need assistance applying for a loan;

And many other resources can be found here.