At a press conference this week Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked, "And are gyms and movie theaters and other businesses that have been shut six months going to be able to reopen soon?"
"I’m not going to be bullied into making that decision," Whitmer responded at the Aug. 25 press conference.
On Aug. 20, leaders of the Small Business Association of Michigan, the chambers of commerce from Grand Rapids, Detroit and Michigan sent a letter to the governor asking that gyms and movie theaters be allowed to open.
The business leaders' letter politely requested an opportunity to work with Whitmer's team on identifying how more businesses can safely reopen, deferring property tax payments while no customer revenue in coming in, and protecting employers from "needless" epidemic-inspired lawsuits. It stated (in part):
"With your leadership, we have flattened the curve and Michigan has been able to safely reopen many sectors of our economy. Thank you."
"We believe that if industries like restaurants, public swimming pools, casinos and others can find a way to safely open in some capacity, we can also find a way to safely open gyms,
"Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to continuing to be your partners in creating a safe and prosperous Michigan."
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.