MIDLAND, Mich. — The Mackinac Center for Public Policy applauds Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature for their actions to prioritize the critical needs of Michiganders by eliminating pork spending — focusing state resources on providing essential services — and taking bold steps to empower patients and medical providers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.

With the support of lawmakers, the governor line-item vetoed $80 million in nonessential spending, including funding for the state’s tourism advertisement program, Pure Michigan — a recommendation long called for by the Mackinac Center.

“Gov. Whitmer and the legislature deserve credit for reprioritizing spending in ways that are more valuable to Michigan taxpayers,” said Michael LaFaive, senior director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center. “There was just no reason for much of the spending in the supplemental bill reworked and signed by Gov. Whitmer today.”

In addition to adjusting the state’s spending priorities, Gov. Whitmer also issued a series of executive orders that empower patients and medical providers accessing and providing critical care — orders that have included a number of recommendations made by the Mackinac Center.

While last week's order removed licensing barriers for certain medical personnel, it also lifted certificate-of-need laws, which have historically restricted the number of hospital beds, imaging machines and ICUs available in the state. The Mackinac Center has actively encouraged the administration and Michigan policymakers to eliminate CON regulations, especially in light of the current crisis.

Gov. Whitmer’s latest executive order aimed at increasing the provision of health care also embraced recommendations made by the Mackinac Center to expand scope-of-practice for medical providers treating COVID-19 patients. Among these important reforms includes provision for nurses to provide care without doctor supervision, pharmacists to aid patients with maintenance of health efforts, and medical personnel to treat individuals across state lines.

“We continue to applaud Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature's efforts to empower both patients and health care providers, and support taxpayer priorities, during this time of crisis,” said Lindsay Killen, vice president of strategic outreach and communications. “The steps she has taken to remove unnecessary barriers to dispensing and receiving care will bring much needed relief to those on the frontlines, as we continue to work together to mitigate the threat of COVID-19.”

You can view the complete list of the Mackinac Center’s COVID-19 policy recommendations here.