LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three executive orders. Two were extensions of preexisting orders, while the third is meant to ease restrictions on teenage workers in the state.
To begin with, Executive Order 2020-79 makes changes to the Youth Employment Standards Act while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. Teen workers will no longer have to turn in a job application in person, allowing them to instead send applications and other documents by mail, e-mail, fax, or online.
Additionally, work permits for workers under the age of 16 no longer have to be a different color than work permits for those over 16.
“Young Michiganders constitute an important part of the summer workforce, especially because the COVID-19 pandemic requires that many workers stay home when experiencing symptoms or because they are part of a vulnerable population,” the order reads in part. “To ensure the availability of youth workforce, and to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, protect public health, and provide protections to vulnerable Michiganders of all ages, it is reasonable and necessary to temporarily suspend certain requirements related to obtaining work permits for youth workers.”
This order is effective immediately and continues through June 8, 2020 at 11:59 pm.
The second order signed, Executive Order 2020-80, is an extension allowing some administrative hearings to be held by video conference or phone in place of in-person hearings.
“By extending this Executive Order, we help ensure Michigan can continue to flatten the curve while allowing certain agencies and commissions to conduct their important work remotely during this ongoing crisis,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement. “I continue to urge all Michiganders to work together and do their part so we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of everyone in our state.”
The order also temporarily allows e-signatures in place of written signatures on related documents. This is also in place until June 8.
The third signed, Executive Order 2020-81, continues to allow weight and delivery restrictions on trucks and vehicles carrying essential supplies.
“While we have seen signs for cautious optimism over the past couple of weeks, we are not out of the woods yet. We still need essential supplies to be delivered all across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “By extending this executive order, we can ensure people have the supplies need to slow the spread of the virus and protect as many Michiganders as possible. “
This order lifts state and local non-seasonal load restrictions, as well as other restrictions on the timing and loading of deliveries, for deliveries that meet immediate needs for medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, as well as other critical supplies, equipment, and personnel.
This order is effective immediately and extends until May 25th.
The latest information on COVID-19 is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
