Grand Rapids Reporter

On March 29, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the 800th bipartisan bill after the beginning of her term. House Bill 5286 strives to better protect Michigan’s construction workers by improving roads. 

The Governor also signed Senate Bills 465 and 466, providing more road funding to local agencies, and Senate Bill 618, which changes interest rates for qualified school bond loans, saving schools money. Representative Mark Huizinga (R-Walker) had praise for the road bill. 

“This bill will ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our workers safe as they work to fix our roads,” Representative Huizinga 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.”

Governor Whitmer touted the bills as she signed them. 

“Today, I will be signing four bills, including my 800th bipartisan bill,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Since I took office, I have been focused on getting things done and I will work with anyone to deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to Michiganders. Today, 800 bipartisan bills later, I am proud of the work that the Michigan Legislature and I have collaborated on. Together, gotten a lot done. We have continued fixing our roads and bridges, empowered Michigan’s economic development, lowered costs with auto insurance reform, helped hundreds of thousands of Michiganders through historic criminal justice reform, and so much more. I look forward to the work ahead as we continue focusing on our shared challenges and putting Michiganders first.”

Business leaders also supported the road legislation.

“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.”

In a rare moment of solidarity, union leaders joined businesses in support of the bill as well. 

“We appreciate Governor Whitmer’s commitment to fixing the roads and making sure our workers are safe while doing so,” Douglas W. Stockwell, Operating Engineers Local 324 Business Manager/General Vice President said. “House Bill 5286 will help improve worker safety as we work together to rebuild Michigan’s infrastructure.”