Novi Times

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) has introduced a bill to help employers provide their expertise during disasters in the state of Michigan. 

According to MiSenateGOP, Senate Bill 896 would allow the business community to play a part in “emergency management planning, mitigation and recovery.”

“The past several weeks have brought not only sorrow for the lives lost to this horrible disease, but fear and uncertainty in response to the devastation to our economy,” Runestad said, according to MiSenateGOP. “Facing these types of crises requires a team effort. Including additional expertise will help us navigate these challenges better going forward.”

The Emergency Management Division of the Michigan State Police is the agency tasked with coordinating emergency response with agencies at the local, state and federal levels. 

The new bill introduced by Runestad would add in Michigan business representatives, which would ensure that local businesses are taken into consideration when troubles arise. 

“Having the input of supply chain managers, job creators and experts in essential areas of our economy will help us be more prepared in our response to a pandemic,” Runestad told MiSenateGOP. “Grocery stores have been open, but the vital supply chain providing them with meats and other foods has been disrupted. Expertise from this part of our economy should be taken into consideration at the forefront of these types of emergencies going forward.”

The bill is now being referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations, where it is under review.

Runestad also issued a statement about the lawsuit that the Republican Legislature has filed against Gov. Whitmer. 

“Since the governor has tried to extend these declarations apart from the Legislature, we had no choice but to file a lawsuit,” Runestad said on MiSenateGOP. “We didn’t want to reach this point. We were hoping negotiation and compromise with the governor could still be achieved.”

Runestad said that he will continue standing up for the best interests and safety of residents and that he is pushing for a safe reopening of the economy.