America’s favorite COVID Karen is at it again.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has launched an investigation into the state’s House of Representatives over alleged violations of coronavirus restrictions. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) stated that it received a complaint and is looking into the matter.
WILX 10 reported that “eight representatives have reported confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases- not including staffers.”
The House, which is controlled by Republicans, canceled Wednesday and Thursday sessions after a staffer reported that they tested positive for COVID-19. House Speaker Lee Chatfield stated that this case was not related to the Senate Oversight Committee hearing on allegations of election fraud, which was attended by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who also tested positive for the coronavirus, last week.
Some lawmakers were “frustrated by how protocols have been managed within the legislature,” according to WILX 10. “I am not surprised because I did write an open letter to the speaker. I can’t remember if it was October or November, telling him that I had grave concerns about the workplace that we were being forced to operate in. And that actually we would be looking into possibly filing a complaint with MIOSHA,” said Minority Leader Christine Greig.
Democratic lawmakers cite inconsistent mask usage as the problem. Rep. Kara Hope said she has been trying to pass a resolution since April mandating face masks on the house floor. She claims her pleas were ignored.
“Leadership in the house has been unwilling to mandate masks for members. It’s required for staff and everybody else around us, but for legislators we’re not required to wear masks. Most of us on the Democratic side and I hate to make it partisan but most of us in my caucus do wear masks. Mask wearing on the other side of the aisle is a little more sporadic,” she complained.
Hope stated that she feels representatives are putting their health in jeopardy when they come to work. She said:
“I think we all are putting our health at risk convening in a place where public health is not being taken seriously. And, you know, it would be one thing if we were prioritizing relief for businesses and individuals affected by COVID, or public health measures or anything like that but we haven’t. We haven’t been prioritizing those things. We’re meeting on other matters, and so that makes it all the more frustrating.”
The investigation could result in penalties if people are found to have violated Whitmer’s COVID-19 restrictions. WILX 10 noted that “serious violations must contain a monetary penalty, with the maximum penalty being $7,000. Any violation classified as Willful must have a minimum penalty of $5,000, with the maximum penalty being $70,000.”
It appears Whitmer isn’t content to sic her Plague Police on the general public. Now, she is going after the House, which is dominated by Republican lawmakers who have opposed her devotion to all things draconian.
Is it a coincidence? Or is Whitmer sending a message to the conservative officials who have been bucking up against her since she started imposing her heavy-handed coronavirus measures?
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Join the conversation as a VIP Member