ALLIANCE APPLAUDS AGREEMENT TO RESCIND RULES

Michigan joins growing list of states open for business

NORTHERN MI – The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance applauded Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, and Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth for working on an agreement to rescind the proposed permanent Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules that would have implemented continued COVID-19 protocols beyond the expiration of the emergency rules currently in place. The Alliance represents 16 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7,000 member businesses from across northern Michigan.  

“We commend our decision-makers for listening to the voice of the northern Michigan business community and agreeing to rescind the proposed permanent MIOSHA rules,” said Stacie Bytwork, the chairperson of the Alliance and president and CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. “This action shows that collective advocacy works, and today we have real results for our businesses.”

Under the agreement, the administration rescinds MIOSHA’s draft permanent rules and cancels the public hearing scheduled for May 26. In addition, now that the state has reached the 55% vaccination threshold, and in accordance with the governor’s MI Vacc to Normal plan, MIOSHA will remove the requirement that employers create a “policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.” MIOSHA will also be updating other aspects of the emergency rules to reflect recent guidance from the CDC and MDHHS, which will take effect May 24.  

“With the proposed permanent MIOSHA rules out of the way, Michigan can now join the growing list of states open for business,” said Sarah Hagen, vice-chairperson of the Alliance and president of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Alliance will continue to support our businesses in navigating our recovery from this pandemic.”

The Alliance urges everyone who is ready to get vaccinated to find a walk-in clinic or talk to their health provider so northern Michigan, and our state, can continue down the path of economic recovery.

About the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance:

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of chambers and economic development organizations including the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Benzie County Chamber of Commerce, Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Traverse Connect, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Superior Community Partnership, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce, Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, & Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. The Alliance exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy. More information on the Alliance’s latest work can be found at nmichiganbusiness.com.

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