North Kent News

Michigan's Legislature approved the extension of the state of emergency through the end of April, which will help the state respond to COVID-19 in the immediate future. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had asked the Legislature for a 70-day extension, but Sen. Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes) and several other lawmakers supported a 23-day extension instead, according to the senator's website. 

“I agree that there needs to be an extension; we’re far from being out of the woods on this issue. But I believe 70 days looks too far forward considering the information we have now and how quickly that changes,” Outman said in a release. “The best thing to do for the immediate future is continue following suggested protocols and stay at home to keep you, your family and your community safe.”

Outman said in the release the extension lasts until April 30, but once it comes to an end, the Legislature will have the authority to review the state of emergency.

"I think this was a good starting point that addresses the issue for the remainder of the month, while allowing us to revisit the decision should new information become available,” Outman said in the release. “In the meantime, we need to continue limiting the spread of the virus and start looking at ways to safely get people back to their normal daily routines.”