Dear Neighbor:

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates on the state’s efforts to address COVID-19 as well as other news from your state government.

House Dems Introduce Workplace Safety Package

My colleagues and I introduced a package of bills that would protect Michigan workers and respond to COVID-19’s effect on workplaces and employees. The bill that I sponsored would guarantee that workers compensation benefits are not reduced for workers who also receive federal unemployment and pandemic benefits.

Redistricting Town Hall Planned

event

Mark your calendars! On Monday, May 24 at 6 p.m., I will be hosting a virtual town hall on communities of interest and the redistricting process with special guests from the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, Voters Not Politicians, and the Lansing League of Women Voters. If you would like to attend this event over Zoom, please RSVP here. The event will also be streamed over Facebook Live.

MDHHS Issues Updated Epidemic Order

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a revised version of its previous epidemic order.

The following is included in the new order:

  • Fully vaccinated individuals can go mask-less at residential gatherings.
  • Outdoor gatherings will only require masks if more than 100 people attend.
  • Fully vaccinated student athletes will no longer be required to be routinely tested for COVID-19. Non-vaccinated athletes ages 13-19 are still required to participate in a weekly COVID-19 testing program.
  • Masks will no longer be required during any sports practice or for non-contact sports. Masks are still required for contact sports games.

The following continues to be required:

  • Everyone ages 2 years old and older must wear a face mask, excluding fully vaccinated individuals at residential gatherings or small outdoor gatherings (see above).
  • Indoor residential gatherings are limited to 15 people from no more than three households. Outdoor residential gatherings are limited to 50 people, or 20 persons per 1,000 square feet (with a maximum capacity of 300 people).
  • Restaurants and bars can be open at 50% capacity (with a maximum capacity of 100), and they can be open until 11 p.m.
  • Retail shops can be open at 50% capacity.
  • Gyms can be open at 30% capacity. Gym users must wear masks, and exercise equipment must be placed six feet apart.
  • Movie theaters, casinos, auditoriums, and other types of indoor recreation and entertainment venues can be open with 300 patrons at a time (with a maximum capacity of 50% normal capacity).
  • Large outdoor events can not exceed 20 persons per 1,000 square feet.
  • Stadiums complying with enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols can operate at 20% of their fixed seating capacity.
    • Stadiums with a fixed seating capacity of 5,000 or greater without enhanced protocols can operate with a maximum capacity of 1,000.
    • Stadiums with a fixed seating capacity of 10,000 or greater without enhanced protocols can operate with a maximum capacity of 1,500.

This order is effective through May 31. More information can be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.

Reminder: Tax Filing Deadline is May 17

Tax day is less than a week away. The deadline for city, state and federal income taxes was pushed back to Monday, May 17. Remember to file your taxes on time to avoid fines, penalties and interest.

While legislative offices are generally closed to the public, my team and I are still providing responsive service. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov if we can help.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative