North Kent News

Sen. Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes) and other officials voted to approve two measures that would protect Michigan residents and employees.

Outman sponsored Senate Resolution 112, which supports the state in following federal guidelines for determining essential employees. He, along with other legislators, voted to approve measures that would allow hospitals and other medical providers to reopen facilities for elective surgeries and other procedures.

Senate Resolution 111, passed by the Senate, urged the governor to revise Executive Order 2020-17. This would specifically allow medical professionals and facilities to provide elective procedures so that Michigan residents can get the care they need.

The Detroit News reports that some hospitals have resumed time-sensitive procedures. They have been struggling financially without providing these services.

Beaumont Health and Henry Ford Health System are beginning to offer critical elective procedures like cancer biopsies. Michigan is among 12 other states that have decided to roll back restrictions for medical procedures.

"If a patient needs a procedure or surgery which their physician believes would risk their health or safety to delay, our hospitals are safe for this care. ... If patients have concerns, they should contact their provider,” said Detroit Medical Center, according to The Detroit News.

“As we discuss plans for moving Michigan forward, we need to be sure we find the correct balance between people’s safety and their livelihoods — this isn’t a one-or-the-other situation,” said Outman on MiSenateGOP. “Businesses have proven they can safely operate with enhanced safety measures to keep customers and employees safe, and workers who can return to work without posing a risk to themselves or others should be allowed the freedom to do so.”

Outman said that while Michigan should do what it can to protect the health of its people, the state should also help families get back to work. As other states begin to open up various industries, Outman says he supports Michigan companies doing so safely.