Michigan Democrat tests positive for COVID, then votes in Lansing

For a third time in 2023, a Michigan House Democrat tested positive for COVID-19, and then voted.

Although Rep. Jason Hoskins, D-Southfield, tested positive for COVID-19, he showed up to session Tuesday to vote for the repeal of right-to-work. This is the third time in two months that a Democrat representative has flouted COVID-19 protocols and cast a vote while positive for the virus. Hoskins joins Reps. Natalie Price, D-Berkley, and Veronica Paiz, D-Harper Woods.

Related reading: In the Michigan House, COVID policy is for staff, not members

Contrast their actions with Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, who stayed away after testing positive for the virus. MIRS reports that even though Cavitt’s quarantine expired the next day, he still stayed home to observe the virus protocols and ensure he was not spreading the disease.

Amber McCann, spokeswoman for Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, was asked by MIRS about allowing a COVID-19 positive member of the Democratic caucus to show up for work.

“We’ll pass on the constructive criticism from those who pushed Ivermectin as a cure for COVID,” McCann said.

Hoskins is vaccinated, according to his social media posts. The vaccination did not prevent him from contracting the virus, however. The vaccine also does not prevent people from spreading COVID-19. So it is unclear why the representative chose to ignore COVID-19 protocols and attend a large public gathering.

Hoskins did not respond to a request for comment.