"The purchase of PPE is an unforeseen cost and should not be taxed in lieu of the pandemic," says Rep. Michael Webber. | Pixabay
"The purchase of PPE is an unforeseen cost and should not be taxed in lieu of the pandemic," says Rep. Michael Webber. | Pixabay
Rep. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) released an October edition of his e-newsletter, which will be the last until after the general election, highlighting recent legislative updates, including COVID-19, state budget information, a new personal protective equipment (PPE) bill and business liability protections.
The governor's newest executive order allows more businesses to reopen, including move theaters, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing and trampoline facilities, and performance venues, which can all reopen as of Oct. 9.
"In addition, EO (executive order) 185 requires students in grades kindergarten and up to wear a mask in Regions 1 through 5 and 7," Webber wrote in the newsletter. "The EO makes changes to the nonresidential indoor gathering limit and increases it from 10 to 20 people, or 20% of seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people. This order will allow greater capacity for funerals going forward."
Rep. Michael Webber
| Michigan House Republicans
In addition to coronavirus updates, Webber said a bipartisan budget plan was approved, which will protect funding for schools, local public services and taxpayers.
"Despite the impact COVID-19 and economic shutdowns have had on the state economy, the plan for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 once again balances the budget," Webber wrote in the newsletter. "The budget returns about $35 million to the state’s budget stabilization rainy day fund."
A PPE bill package was also introduced in the Legislature, which will support small businesses by exempting PPE and cleaning products from the Michigan sales-and-use taxes.
Webber also touched on bipartisan legislation that will help business owners deal with coronavirus-related lawsuits.
"Employers still must take reasonable precautions to protect employees and customers from COVID-19," he said in the newsletter. "The bill package does the following: Limits liability with respect to certain claims related to COVID-19; provides protection from liability to certain persons on reopening of a business or school; prohibits an employer from taking adverse employment action against an employee who is absent from work due to COVID-19."
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