Governor Whitmer lowers flags to honor Congressman John Lewis

LANSING -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, July 18, 2020, to honor the life and service of Congressman John Lewis.

"Congressman John Lewis was a civil rights legend who stood firmly on the front lines of our nation’s history," said Governor Whitmer. "Congressman Lewis dedicated his life to building a more just, equitable nation for Black Americans everywhere, and his unwavering commitment to public service has set an example for leaders across the country. His work with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King transformed our nation. John Lewis was an icon, and I know that people everywhere will feel the impact of his passing. May we honor his legacy by continuing the work to fix the systemic racism Black Americans face every day and build a country where everyone, no matter the color of their skin, can find opportunity. My heart goes out to the congressman’s family and loved ones during this time."

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist also recognized the late Congressman John Lewis as a great civil rights leader and role model.

"America lost one of its greatest warriors in the fight for civil rights at a time when his leadership was needed the most," said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. "As our congressional and collective consciousness for two generations, John Lewis paved the way for so many people to make history by laying the foundation upon which I and so many others stand. This loss hits deep in the soul of every American, but we find solace in knowing that he inspired a legion of champions for change to carry forward this mission of justice, so that the next generation can be, believe, and become their greatest selves. We must recommit to righting the wrongs that John Lewis fought today and every day. To the man who caused good trouble: rest in power."

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Congressman John Lewis by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, July 19, 2020.

Gov. Whitmer rescinds Safer at Home Order, moves Michigan to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, right, joins Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during a press conference today, June 1. Following Gov. Whitmer's announcement of Executive Order 2020-110, Dr. Khaldun spoke of the connection between racism and public health, urged businesses that reopen to do so in the safest way possible and advised people to continue social distancing and wearing masks. (Photo courtesy Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)

LANSING -- Today, June 1, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-110, rescinding her Safer at Home order and moving the entire state to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan.

The governor’s order will allow retailers to reopen on June 4 and restaurants to reopen on June 8, both subject to capacity limits and social distancing. Day camps for children will likewise be permitted to open on June 8. Effective immediately, groups of 100 or less will be allowed gather outdoors with social distancing. Office work that is not capable of being performed remotely can resume. And in-home services, including housecleaning services, can resume operations.

Subject to local regulation, gyms and fitness centers may conduct outdoor classes, practices, training sessions, or games, provided that coaches, spectators, and participants maintain six feet of distance from one another during these activities. Outdoor pools can also reopen, with restricted capacity. Businesses and activities that necessarily involve close contact and shared surfaces, including gyms, hair salons, indoor theaters, tattoo parlors, casinos, and similar establishments, will remain closed for the time being.

Joining Gov. Whitmer during her press conference today, MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun announced a new MI Symptoms Web Application, which allows Michigan employers and employees to enter information daily to help identify symptoms that might be caused by the virus and to make decisions about when to seek appropriate medical care. Local and state public health will also use the collective data to help identify the potential for new outbreaks of the disease.

"The governor and I, along with a team of experts, have determined that our state is ready to move into the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan. Hospitalization numbers are down, our frontline workers have PPE to last them several weeks, and the number of positive cases and deaths are declining," said Dr. Khaldun. "We will continue to monitor the data and work closely with local health departments to ensure Michiganders practice safe social distancing. On behalf of our health care professionals and first responders on the front lines, we must all be smart and be safe."

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II also joined the Gov. Whitmer during the press conference.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II speaks during Governor Whitmer's press conference today, June 1. (Photo courtesy Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist stressed the importance of peaceful action during this time of a double threat to Black communities: COVID-19 and police brutality.

"The scab covering the wounds of oppression has once again been ripped off," he said. "Please remain vigilant, please practice social distancing and wear your mask if you do choose to demonstrate."

Click here for the Power Point Presentation Gov. Whitmer used today. 

Click here for Executive Order 2020-110.

Click here for an updated list of Gov. Whitmer's Executive Orders. 

Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Gilchrist encourage communities to designate areas for peaceful demonstrations

LANSING -- Today, May 30, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II issued the following statement encouraging communities across Michigan to designate areas for peaceful demonstrations: 

"As Americans, this is one of the most

challenging periods in our lifetimes. People in communities of color across the nation and right here in Michigan are feeling a sense of exhaustion and desperation. Communities are hurting, having felt that calls for equity, justice, safety, and opportunity have gone unheard for too long. We stand in solidarity with those who are seeking equitable justice for everyone in our state. We can’t live in a society and a country where our rights and our dignity are not equal for all. The First Amendment right to protest has never been more important, and in this moment when we are still battling a killer virus, it is crucial that those who choose to demonstrate do so peacefully, and in a way that follows social distancing guidelines to protect public health. Our administration is working closely with local elected officials, public safety, and faith, and youth leaders to encourage communities across the state to designate areas for peaceful demonstrations where people can make their voices heard. There will no doubt be more tough days ahead, but we must pull together and treat our fellow Michiganders with dignity, compassion, and humanity."

Inset photos: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. (Photos courtesy michigan.gov)