St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

On April 24, Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) was appointed to Michigan’s newly formed Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The state’s response to COVID-19 has been eye opening, in terms of the broad authority the governor has to declare emergencies and make decisions, and by how little involvement and input the Legislature and public have had on those decisions,” said LaSata on MiSenateGOP. “The Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic will work to examine the state’s response, to ensure the people have a voice in the decision-making process and make sure our state is better prepared for future emergency situations. I look forward to serving on this important panel.”

The Joint Select Committee was established by the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 20. 

“COVID-19 has been devastating to our communities,” said LaSata, according to MiSenateGOP. “One life lost is one too many, and the toll on people’s health has been great. But the governor’s unprecedented, unilateral response to the outbreak has also destroyed livelihoods and severely damaged the economy.”

Michigan’s Senate has also approved legislation that would rein in the extensive powers of Michigan’s governor during states of emergency or disaster, which includes Senate Bills 857 and 858. 

If passed, SB 857 would repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act, and SB 858 would reform the Emergency Management Act to shorten the amount of time of an emergency or disaster declaration to 14 days, rather than 28. After 14 days, the governor would need legislative approval to extend any declaration.

LaSata has expressed approval and support for both Senate bills. 

“While I appreciate the governor today is allowing landscaping crews to go back to work, I am hopeful the governor will make further revisions by listening to the voices of Southwest Michigan residents and trusting the people of Michigan to behave as safely at work as they have at home,” LaSata to MiSenateGOP.

“Approving these bills will ensure that the people will have more of a say, and sooner, in how our state responds to future emergencies,” she added.