The 800th bill signed by Gov. Whitmer protects Michigan construction workers. | Jamie Street/Unsplash
The 800th bill signed by Gov. Whitmer protects Michigan construction workers. | Jamie Street/Unsplash
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) in late March signed the 800th bipartisan bill since the beginning of her term, according to a press release from the governor's office.
House Bill 5286 offers protection to Michigan construction workers while they fix the roads. Whitmer also signed Senate Bills 465 and 466, which provide additional road funding to local agencies, and Senate Bill 618, which adjusts interest rates for qualified school bond loans, the press release said.
"This bill will ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our workers safe as they work to fix our roads," Rep. Mark Huizinga (R-Walker) said. "Having drivers reduce their speed when workers are present can decrease the likelihood of a tragic accident, but sometimes drivers don't see the road crews until they are too close. By allowing for these modified signs, we can inform drivers about the presence of workers so they can follow the law and protect lives."
Huizinga sponsored HB 5286, according to the press release.
"Keeping our members safe while on the job is our top priority," Geno Alessandrini, business manager for the Michigan Laborers' District Council, said. "House Bill 5286 takes important steps to reduce drivers' speed where our workers are repairing Michigan roads. This keeps both workers and drivers safe."
Senate Bills 465 and 466 were sponsored by Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) and Sen. Michael MacDonald (R-Sterling Heights), respectively, according to the press release.
"We appreciate Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to fixing the roads and making sure our workers are safe while doing so," Douglas Stockwell, business manager and general vice president of Operating Engineers Local 324, said. "House Bill 5286 will help improve worker safety as we work together to rebuild Michigan’s infrastructure."
Senate Bill 618 was sponsored by Sen. Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville), according to the press release.
"I am glad to see Senate Bill 618 signed into law today," Victory said. "This proactive and responsible measure will generate significant savings for our local schools and the taxpayers who support them. In this challenging and ever-changing economic climate, it is important that we make fiscally responsible decisions that benefit our local communities now and well into the future."
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