Business Closures Extended to December 20
Governor Whitmer and Michigan Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon issued an extension of the current Epidemic Order, set to expire today, until Sunday, December 20, 2020.
This order prohibits bars and restaurants from indoor, in-person dining, closes movie theaters, bowling alleys, ice rinks, arcades, banquet halls, and event venues, and requires that people work from home unless it is impossible to do so. Details of the order can be found here.
NFIB is disappointed with the governor’s actions when 45 other states have found ways to deal with the health concerns from the coronavirus that do not include a complete shutdown of selected businesses and industries.
It has been eight months since the onset of the COVID-19 health crisis and many small businesses are still struggling to survive while trying to help their employees and adjust business operations. Nationally, one-in-five (20%) small business owners report that they will have to close their doors if current economic conditions do not improve over the next six months. As a state, conditions in Michigan are more dire due to extended closings and greater restrictions. For many businesses, the holiday season is their whole year from a revenue perspective.
The governor also called on the legislature to set aside $100 million in state funds to “help families and small businesses”. While promises of $100 million in state aid to closed businesses sounds good, considering the economic damage caused by these closings, that is like a drop of water in Lake Michigan. Even the more robust federal rescue loans and grants will not roll back the tide of coming business failures and bankruptcies from these extended closures.
Small business owners do not want to exist on government handouts. They want to get their employees back to work and re-open their doors.
NFIB will continue efforts to amend the authority of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services so that the governor’s edicts are subject to legislative oversight.
If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Fisher, NFIB Assistant State Director in Michigan, at [email protected] .
