Bill Text: MI HR0263 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize the President and Congress of the United States to take various actions to minimize the social and economic impact of and improve response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-05-19 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [HR0263 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0263-Introduced.html
house Resolution No.263
Rep. Hammoud offered the following resolution:
Whereas, COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, has continued to spread throughout Michigan and the United States. The first cases in Michigan were reported on March 10, 2020, and the number of cases has continued to increase. On March 16, 2020, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical officer, stated that there was no question that thousands of Michiganders have the virus; and
Whereas, Preventing the spread of COVID-19 and mitigating its effects may require prolonged periods of isolation and extraordinary public health measures. Governor Whitmer has issued executive orders prohibiting large gatherings, closing all primary and secondary schools, and requiring the closure of many businesses, including restaurants and movie theaters. President Trump has suggested that these measures may be necessary for several months, and that all gatherings over 10 people be cancelled; and
Whereas, Taking these necessary steps to protect public health will place a heavy burden on residents in Michigan and across the country. Many employees will be out of work and forgo wages while ill, under quarantine, caring for their children while schools are closed, or caring for relatives who are ill; and
Whereas, Significant action will be required to limit the economic and social effects of this crisis. Some investors fear that the combined effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and the measures taken to contain the virus may lead the United States into an economic recession or even a depression; and
Whereas, There are a number of actions available to the federal government that would mitigate the impact of and improve response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including: placing a moratorium on mortgage, rent, and utility payments; prohibiting utility shutoffs; extending the income tax filing deadline; providing support to small businesses; increasing the availability of COVID-19 tests; and deploying the National Guard; and
Whereas, Placing a moratorium on mortgage, rent, and utility payments for both businesses and individuals will allow them to weather the period of diminished income without having to decide which necessities to prioritize. Prohibiting utility shutoffs and evictions will also allow individuals and businesses to take the necessary steps to prevent spreading COVID-19 without additional and unnecessary financial concerns. In Michigan, Consumers Energy and DTE Energy have agreed to end shutoffs for seniors and low-income residents; however, a nationwide moratorium is necessary to protect all residents during this crisis; and
Whereas, Providing direct financial assistance to struggling families and individuals will help them meet their financial needs while their income is restricted. Proposals to provide this assistance have ranged from a universal basic income for all adults to a refundable tax credit for low-income families. These proposals would help those most in need to weather this period of economic distress; and
Whereas, Extending the income tax filing deadline will allow individuals more financial flexibility and provide hundreds of billions of dollars of immediate equity into the market. By delaying the deadline and granting relief from filing and payment penalties, individuals and businesses will have more stability and flexibility to pay for child care, medical care, and other expenses during this unpredictable time; and
Whereas, Providing financial support to small businesses will help to ensure that this vital part of our nation’s economy is able to survive the crisis. Many small businesses have already or will be forced to temporarily close due to lack of demand and public health orders. Providing support to these entrepreneurs through low-interest loans and other means will help their businesses to remain viable; and
Whereas, Increasing the availability of COVID-19 tests will assist states in properly responding to this crisis. There has been a shortage of tests to identify those infected by COVID-19 in the United States, which has limited the ability of state and local health officials to identify and properly isolate these individuals; and
Whereas, Deploying the National Guard to assist states will increase the nation’s ability to respond to this crisis. Specifically, the National Guard could assist states in high risk areas, in medical facilities, and with sanitation efforts; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the President and Congress of the United States to take various actions to minimize the social and financial impact of and improve response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including: placing a moratorium on mortgage, rent, and utility payments; prohibiting utility shutoffs and evictions; providing direct financial support to individuals; extending the income tax filing deadline; providing support to small businesses; increasing availability of COVID-19 tests; and deploying the National Guard to assist states; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
