South Kent News

The Grand Rapids Chamber, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association of Michigan have partnered to reopen Michigan businesses and are calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Legislative Quadrant leaders to work together to create a safe reopening plan.

The groups wrote a joint letter to the governor in late August asking her to safely reopen more sections of the state's economy. They want more to be done to lead to a safe, successful economic recovery. 

"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, theaters, bowling alleys and other industries," the groups wrote in the letter to the governor. "Michigan is one of a handful of states that has not allowed these sectors to open in any capacity. These businesses have been completely closed after months of the public health emergency, while still facing property tax bills, rent, payroll and other expenses. This has placed businesses in extreme hardship, resulting in permanent closures and layoffs."

These industries want to reopen and are willing to work with regulations and guidelines to do so safely. They want to meet with Whitmer to discuss what needs to be done to allow them to reopen. 

Some businesses in the same industry may have to add space or reduce capacity to safely open and enforce social distancing, but the organizations acknowledge that not all businesses in the same industry have this luxury. 

"In addition to calling for the safe and appropriate reopening of these sectors, we hope you and your Administration will work with stakeholders to find a solution to the issue of property tax deferral for these severely impacted industries," the organizations wrote in their letter to the governor. "Property taxes are often the largest bill a business receives. This is a threat to the long-term viability of many businesses, and they should not be forced to bear the additional burden of interest, penalties and fees on property taxes they cannot pay due to their closure."

The Grand Rapids Chamber and its partners asked the governor to work with the Legislature on COVID-19 concerns, including taking steps to protect businesses against coronavirus-related lawsuits.