Press Release
Contact:
Matt Bach
Director of Communications
Michigan Municipal League
(734) 669-6317; C: (810) 874-1073
[email protected]; www.mml.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020
State Must Allow Local Governments to Conduct Virtual Meetings
Please attribute this statement to Dan Gilmartin, Michigan Municipal League CEO & Executive Director:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are urging everyone to limit face-to-face gatherings of large numbers of people to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But the current restrictions of Michigan’s Open Meeting Act are hampering the ability of local governments to meet the needs of first responders, health care workers, businesses and constituents in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
We call on state officials to move quickly to allow city and village councils and other local governments to hold meetings via virtual modes of communications, such as teleconferences and Skype, when possible during this critical period. The Michigan Municipal League is strongly supportive of a fully transparent government – but also of one capable of doing its job of protecting the health, safety and welfare of people. Quick, decisive action is needed now, by our state leaders and our local leaders.
For additional information, contact Matt Bach, Michigan Municipal League communications director, at [email protected] and (734) 669-6317.
About the League: Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org.