Northwest Wayne News

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently reached a milestone by signing her 800th bipartisan bill that would enhance the safety of the state’s construction workers as they renovate roadways.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, Whitmer also signed Senate Bills 465 and 466 for road funding and Senate Bill 618 which modifies interest rates for eligible school bond loans, to save schools money.  

“Today, I will be signing four bills, including my 800th bipartisan bill,” said Gov. 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.”

“By giving our local transportation agencies more flexibility to cut their costs, we can help them fix more of our local roads and make a real difference in the lives of our hardworking taxpayers and families,” said Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake). “The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency has estimated that these reforms could save local governments up to 30% each year in reduced compliance and overhead costs. Just imagine how many more miles of local roads could be fixed throughout our state with that amount of savings. It’s a game-changer.”

Whitmer’s 800th bill, House Bill 5286 empowers local and state road agencies to regulate traffic control and speed limits, according to the release.

“This bill will ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our workers safe as they work to fix our roads,” said Rep. Mark Huizinga (R – Walker). “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.”

 “Keeping our members safe while on the job is our top priority,” said Geno Alessandrini, business manager for the Michigan Laborers District Council. “House Bill 5286 takes important steps to reduce driver speed where our workers are repairing Michigan roads. This keeps both workers and drivers safe.”