Michigan’s students, families, and small businesses are suffering and sadly Gov. Whitmer is focusing on Biden’s inauguration rather than prioritizing a plan for reopening our schools and small businesses.
December 7, 2020
Gov. Whitmer Still Prioritizing Politics: Will Co-Chair Biden’s Inauguration
Today, it was announced that Governor Gretchen Whitmer will co-chair Joe Biden’s inauguration alongside five other Democrats who also served as advisors to his campaign. Whitmer, along with the other co-chairs, will help Biden’s team with “planning and organizing inauguration activities.”
This announcement comes the same day as Whitmer is expected to extend her “3-week pause” which is currently scheduled to end Dec. 8th. The “pause” closed all Michigan high schools, restaurants, and other entertainment venues for in-person learning and services. Yesterday, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist appeared on WDIV‘s Flashpoint where he claimed the decision to reopen would be based on safety practices, not metrics.
Much of the news coverage on this most recent shutdown has centered on restaurants that fear they will go out of business if the order is extended.
The Center Square reported on one such business owner stating, “At the end of this year, you’re going to see so many restaurants close up, and it’s unfortunate… People who’ve worked all their lives are going to see a lot of things just crumble right up.”
Meanwhile, all high schools and many elementary and middle schools remain closed for in-person instruction. The AP reports that “school districts from coast to coast have reported the number of students failing classes has risen by as many as two or three times – with English language learners and disabled and disadvantaged students suffering the most.”
A quote from a Michigan parent in Bridge Michigan sums up what many families are going through: “It’s been hell.”
Michigan’s students, families, and small businesses are suffering while Gov. Whitmer is distracted with her role in Joe Biden’s inauguration. Whitmer has consistently prioritized cable television and national politics during the entire pandemic, even when leading health experts have called for schools and small businesses to be safely reopened. – Tori Sachs, executive director of Michigan Rising Action