A Look Back at 2020

Liz Gullett

Dec 23, 2020

A year unlike any other! As with most other sectors, Michigan’s state government greatly adjusted its planned priorities this past year to focus on responding to the pandemic. However, while most industries were either required by the governor’s executive orders to shut down completely or partially with so many performing work remotely, the legislature met in-person for their committee meetings and session days. Many questioned these in-person gatherings and, without having a “virtual backup plan,” both the House and Senate had to cancel a number of critical session days due to members and staff testing positive for COVID. Since March, over a dozen members of the legislature tested positive for COVID and sadly, Rep. Issac Robinson (D-Detroit) passed away due to complications of the virus.

While the session schedule didn’t hold its normal schedule and pace, this year did see significant legislation passed, including:

- A successfully negotiated $60 billion FY 20-21 state budget
- An $880 million appropriation in Federal Aid and an additional $465 million in state aid for the state’s response to the pandemic
- Legislation making expungement cheaper, easier, and more available for residents
- Legislation providing liability protections for business owners and workers from the ongoing pandemic
- Legislation allowing local municipalities to establish designated outdoor dining areas to help provide some relief to our hospitality industry

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