UP Gazette

State Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) wants to get Michigan's economy "back on track." At the end of April, LaFave voted in favor of a plan to end Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's unlimited control during a state of emergency. 

"I don't see how the governor expects the Legislature to give her another month or more of blanket authority when there are so many problems and unanswered questions out there already," LaFave told Michigan House Republicans.

LaFave said Michigan families did their part in abiding by the stay-at-home order, listening to medical professionals and taking their advice to slow the spread of COVID-19. Many of LaFave's constituents are now unemployed and frustrated they continue to be put under the same restrictions as those who live in Detroit.

The state Legislature still wants to protect public health while helping families who are hurting financially because of the coronavirus restrictions. Lawmakers voted to put some of the governor's orders into state law, but with expiration dates.

"The longer the state remains shut down, Michiganders are going to get a big wake-up call when it comes to balancing the budget," said LaFave, according to Michigan House Republicans.

LaFave said people who still want to stay home to reduce their risk of catching the virus are encouraged to keep doing so, but for those who want to get back to their jobs, he asked for their cooperation so the state could reopen "in a safe and responsible way."