Waterford Today

Sen. Jim Runestad (R- White Lake) posted on Facebook about the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and education.

In a Facebook post from March 20, Runestad announced that small businesses harmed by COVID-19 are welcome to apply for business loans through the Small Business Administration. This news was met with support from one constituent, who thanked the governor for making the program available to the business community. 

Additionally, on March 21, Runestad posted on Facebook about educators and students experiencing some challenges due to the COVID-19 disruption. 

“I disagree with the MI Dept of Ed's decision to not count virtual learning hours as instructional time,” Runestad wrote. “I know there are issues of equity for all students that will need to be resolved, but these are unprecedented times and we shouldn’t be holding back parents and educators who are stepping up and ensuring these children are continuing to learn from home.”

In a post labeled "Information for Educators," Runestad shared the following information: “School payments are continuing as scheduled. School districts have the resources they need to keep paying teachers and staff. There is no immediate risk of schools being penalized for missed days. Legislators are working with Gov. Whitmer to determine what the school calendar will look like during this extraordinary time.”

Constituents engaged with the senator’s post, both in support of his words and in petition for the state government to band together and reach a decision for the benefit of the educators and students. 

One constituent said that it might be too early to determine anything definite but she appreciated people's flexibility.

“If this lasts only one more week, just count days as snow days and work hard when back in school,” the constituent wrote. “However, if this lasts until June, maybe we have to start next year by testing and placing students with the class they belong with. Some students will work hard with their family [while] others will not be doing anything. We need to be sure we are educating as many as we can.”