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. @SenMikeShirkey and House Speaker Jason Wentworth are set to speak at a joint press conference here in a few minutes. They're responding to Gov. Whitmer's State of the State address
Wentworth starts speaking first. Says he was glad to hear Gov. Whitmer say she wants to work in a bipartisan manner, but says "she still has no plan."
Shirkey doesn't make an opening statement, goes right to questions.
(I'm not there this morning in person, not sure I'll get a question).
First question for Shirkey about comment he made on the radio this morning about the governor not wearing a mask and her appearance
(I'm not there this morning in person, not sure I'll get a question).
First question for Shirkey about comment he made on the radio this morning about the governor not wearing a mask and her appearance
Shirkey: "I said she looked delightful, and I meant it."
Says "seeing her in a press conference wearing a mask I think sends a very strange symbol."
Says "seeing her in a press conference wearing a mask I think sends a very strange symbol."
Wentworth asked about House plan. "Our goal is to get students into classrooms as soon as possible."
Plan offers incentive funds for schools who offer in-person classes faster.
Plan offers incentive funds for schools who offer in-person classes faster.
Next question about whether the governor was genuine about her call for unity.
Shirkey says since March 13 of last year, he's been invited to one conversation but many presentations.
Shirkey says since March 13 of last year, he's been invited to one conversation but many presentations.
Wentworth asked about plan that would withhold $2 billion in fed ed funds unless Whitmer gives up emergency powers given to her by the Legislature.
"Schools are not being held hostage. The plan explains exactly what we're trying to do."
"Schools are not being held hostage. The plan explains exactly what we're trying to do."
Wentworth says state rollout of vaccine has been "dismal at best."
Shirkey says he's going to give governor "little bit of grace" on vaccines. Says it's challenging.
"There was not a single conversation with the Senate...on how could we actually help improve the process."
Shirkey says he's going to give governor "little bit of grace" on vaccines. Says it's challenging.
"There was not a single conversation with the Senate...on how could we actually help improve the process."
Next question about House GOP plan to delay giving out federal funds for vaccine rollout until the state provides evidence it needs the money.
Wentworth doesn't say what parameters are needed for the governor/state to receive additional funds for vaccine distribution
Wentworth doesn't say what parameters are needed for the governor/state to receive additional funds for vaccine distribution
Shirkey: This represents oversight by the Legislature, an important role that lawmakers have over the state government.
Wentworth: The governor set the right tone in her speech, but actions speak louder than words.
Here's my ?: House plan says it wants to give pandemic powers to local health departments, but legislation sets limits on when depts could use those powers. Why is Legislature in a better position to decide when an emergency health order is needed than local health departments?
Wentworth didn't answer the question, instead calling it "disingenuous."
Here's the legislation introduced in the House yesterday: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2021-2022/billintroduced/House/pdf/2021-HIB-4049.pdf
Here's the legislation introduced in the House yesterday: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2021-2022/billintroduced/House/pdf/2021-HIB-4049.pdf
Legislation *clearly* wouldn't allow local health depts issue pandemic orders that would ban in-person school or cancel athletic events unless data points are met.
Wentworth wouldn't say why #mileg in better position to make these decisions instead of local health depts
Wentworth wouldn't say why #mileg in better position to make these decisions instead of local health depts
Shirkey and Wentworth arguing many restaurants are following safety guidelines presented by state, but they feel there are no clear rules to show when they can open.
Shirkey repeats what he said on the radio this morning on Senate effort to block appointments: Says it was a guided political move.
"It wasn't done to score political points, it was done to make a point."
"It wasn't done to score political points, it was done to make a point."
Shirkey: If tables have to be six feet apart, why do you have to have a 25% capacity restriction for indoor restaurants?
Wentworth and Shirkey are asked what percent capacity would be appropriate for restaurants to offer indoor dining.
Both say they believe 25% capacity is arbitrary, but Wentworth indicates he doesn't know any restaurants that would want to open at 100% capacity.
Both say they believe 25% capacity is arbitrary, but Wentworth indicates he doesn't know any restaurants that would want to open at 100% capacity.
Shirkey also making a broader point: he's saying he hasn't been invited to conversations with the governor.
He might have said this and I didn't hear it, but unclear how often/if he's invited the governor or administration to meetings.
He might have said this and I didn't hear it, but unclear how often/if he's invited the governor or administration to meetings.
This also seems to indicate that the best way to include the Legislature in the decision making process is to have closed-door meetings with the governor and staff.
I've asked Shirkey and Wentworth if they would support inviting Gov. Whitmer and/or members of the administration to open meetings about pandemic response.
Shirkey seems to indicate he would/could only meet in person.
Wentworth doesn't respond to the question.
Shirkey seems to indicate he would/could only meet in person.
Wentworth doesn't respond to the question.
Wentworth says he's not willing to discuss a business incentive plan the governor has included in her COVID relief plan as long as it's part of COVID relief.
Shirkey reiterates that he doesn't believe Senate is having input in her pandemic plans.
Shirkey reiterates that he doesn't believe Senate is having input in her pandemic plans.
And with that, GOP presser wraps up. Will have a story @freep ASAP
