St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Legislation aimed at assisting Michigan’s professional license holders -- such as architects, barbers and realtors -- recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic hasn't made it very far since its introduction last month in the state House of Representatives.

House Bill 5892, sponsored by Michigan Rep. Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet), would provide professional license holders with fee credits to help make up for the period of government-mandated closures during the pandemic.

Wendzel introduced the legislation June 23, and it was referred to the House Regulatory Reform Committee the same day. No further action has been taken on the legislation.

HB 5892 would help state residents "begin to resume their lives in a safe and smart manner" and to "help our economy recover from the devastation of COVID-19," Wendzel said in a statement published on the Michigan House Republicans website.

"As I searched for actions I could take to help the people of our community, I began looking at all of Michigan’s licensed professionals like realtors, barbers and stylists, and landscape architects that were forced to shut down because of Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders," Rep. Wendzel said, according to Michigan House Republicans. "To earn a living in Michigan, the state requires these individuals to pay to hold a license. In my opinion, it isn’t fair for the state to require payment for a product you can’t use."

HB 5892 would direct the state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to provide credits or prorate fees for license renewals for holders unable to practice their licensed professions because of state-mandated COVID-19 closures.

"This in no way makes up for the drastic loss of income for license holders, but it’s a small measure I can take as a legislator to provide relief for these hardworking Michiganders who were shut down through no fault of their own," Wendzel said in her statement.

Wendzel has represented Michigan's 79th District since she was elected to the seat in 2018. She is vice chair of the House Commerce and Tourism Committee and the House Energy Committee.

Wendzel is facing Democratic challenger Chokwe Pitchford, a 21-year-old New Orleans native, who is currently pursuing a business administration degree at Lake Michigan College, in November's general election.

The 79th District covers part of Berrien County, including the cities of Coloma, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Bridgman and Watervliet, as  well as the townships of Bainbridge, Benton, Coloma, Hagar, Lake  Charter, Lincoln, Royalton, St. Joseph and Watervliet.