SBAM and Other Business Groups Send Open Letter to Michigan’s Political Leaders
October 22, 2020
Below is a copy of the letter that the Small Business Association of Michigan, along with other Michigan business groups, sent to Governor Whitmer, Speaker Chatfield and Majority Leader Shirkey.
On behalf of our collective members, we appreciate your continued consideration on how to move Michigan forward, with a priority of protecting lives and livelihoods.
As you work together to craft good policy and best practices to ensure Michigan businesses can operate safely, we hope you consider the following points.
- Businesses need clarity, consistency, and transparency on decisions made. There should be clear communication with our business community on decisions made that effect their operations, employees and bottom line. Our state benefits when decisions are consistent and there is transparent communication between citizens and government. We hope to continue to be a resource to you and a trusted business voice.
- All industries should be allowed to open with proper safety protocols. Industries have been resilient during this unprecedented time, adapting to overcome barriers while keeping their employees and customers safe. We urge decisions made incorporate all industry types, and not pick winners and losers. Businesses of all types and sizes have proven that they are flexible and deserve to be a part of Michigan’s recovery.
- Going forward, we must be precise on how we control outbreaks. Michigan has greatly varied throughout this pandemic. Our health experts have learned a lot about the virus and how to control outbreaks, and it is important to lean on this knowledge to support targeted approaches when outbreaks occur.
- Continue to utilize best practices, informed by data, on ways to protect our citizens. Our knowledge about the virus, ways to protect our citizens, and best practices have greatly developed over the past several months. The health and safety protocols we know reduce the spread- like washing your hands, social distancing, staying home when sick and wearing masks in public- should still be the norm. These practices ensure that business can continue to operate safely.
Thank you for your leadership in addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our businesses, on our citizens, and Michigan as a whole. We appreciate your consideration and we look forward to continuing to partner with you as we work toward a strong recovery.