Michigan’s Lt. Governor, at 6-foot-8, stands pretty tall in his own right, now he’s asking the Michigan Senate and the state’s House of Representatives to “stand tall for the people who serve our state.” Garlin Gilchrist is calling on Republican Leaders in the Michigan Legislature to enact and enforce a mask mandate in the Senate and House Chambers.
The Lt. Governor issued an open letter today to Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield calling on them to enact and enforce a mask mandate within the chambers.
Gilchrist says, “This is not a political issue. This is ultimately about standing tall for the people who serve our state,” and adds, “Our members are elected to serve in these Chambers, their staffs serve in critical support roles, and the media have a duty to inform the public about the actions of our government. They deserve to know their safety is respected by their leadership.”
Gilchrist argues that since March 10th, Michigan has seen more than 129,000 COVID-19 cases and 6,800 deaths, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization all now recommend cloth masks be worn over the nose and mouth, along with hand washing and social distancing, to slow the spread of this virus.
To date, legislative leaders have declined to require House and Senate members to wear a mask in the chambers.
Under his epidemic authority, MDHHS Director Robert Gordon issued an Emergency Order on Monday, October 5th under MCL 333.2253 restricting gathering sizes, requiring face coverings in public spaces and places limitations on bars and other venues.
To view the letter, click the link below:
