Pontiac Times

Michigan certainly hasn't been spared the tragic impact brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Almost 6,000 people have died from the novel coronavirus, as of June 12. Countless more have had their lives and livelihoods uprooted due to executive orders from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. 

Now, there's a new website giving Michigan residents the chance to share what they've been going through during the pandemic, announced Rep. John Reilly (R-Oakland Township) on Michigan House Republicans. MICovidStory is an easy-to-use resource available for people across the state to voice their concerns. 

"The COVID-19 pandemic -- and the actions our governor has taken in response to it -- have greatly affected the physical, emotional and financial health of all Michigan families," Reilly said in a statement on the Michigan House Republicans website. "The stories people share with us will help the Legislature establish best practices and sound methods for dealing with this crisis going forward, so the people of Michigan don't face additional hardship."

The purpose of the website is to work with the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The committee is made up of both Republicans and Democrats from both the state House and Senate.  Their job is to provide legislative oversight and evaluate both the decisions made within Whitmer's administration and other state departments.  These lawmakers represent constituents from different areas across Michigan who want to make sure all branches of the state government are being open and working effectively for the state's residents.

The website gives Michiganders a place to share what they've been through and the opportunity to categorize their stories by subject, whether they've been impacted by essential or nonessential business directives, trouble getting much-needed unemployment benefits, dealings with state agencies or health care services.