In case you missed it, Kathy Hoekstra recently wrote an OpEd in the Detroit News highlighting Michigan doctors' fight against the coronavirus and the resistance they are getting from the governor’s office. Several studies on the combination of the drugs, Plaquenil and a Z-Pak, to treat coronavirus have shown a reduction in viral loads and symptom improvement. However, instead of exploring this new treatment option, Governor Whitmer’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs threatened all doctors who prescribed or dispensed this drug as a treatment to coronavirus. Read the full OpEd below. Michigan’s doctors fight coronavirus, and governor's officeBy Kathy Hoekstra, The Detroit News The coronavirus is unquestionably a significant threat to the health and safety of people throughout the world. The infection’s worldwide death toll is more than 23,000and counting, 1,163 in the United States and 60 here in Michigan. There is a silver lining however, in the numbers of people who are recovering from COVID-19 — more than 122,000 at this writing. Even greater hope lies in a promising new treatment using a combination of old drugs: Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and a Z-Pak (azithromycin). These well-known drugs have very favorable safety profiles. Several small studies have shown significant reduction in viral loads and symptom improvement when combining these medications in COVID-19 patients. Though these studies are small and do not prove efficacy, the results were so promising that the authors of the most famous study concluded: “We therefore recommend that COVID-19 patients be treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to cure their infection and to... More >

The following statement is from Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox regarding the meltdown today by Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, resulting in the Chair deeming Stevens out of order and her being gaveled down on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Stevens on the House Floor) “Yet again, Haley Stevens has displayed that she lacks the temperament to represent the people of Michigan in the United States House of Representatives. While Congress debated the most important stimulus package in a generation, Stevens shouted and screamed over multiple requests by House leadership to stand down. This defiance in decorum is alarming and a continuation of the failed leadership we’ve witnessed since Stevens took office. Michiganders deserve better.” More >

Just like the FEMA disaster declaration, Michigan Fails to Act Fast. A week ago, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and President Trump announced that Tax Day would be moved back to July 15th – providing a sigh of relief for many individuals and small business owners. Since that announcement by the federal government, two other Midwest states, Illinois and Ohio, have followed suit in deferring the deadline for their state taxes. On Wednesday, Michigan House Appropriations Chair Shane Hernandez called for the deadline for Michigan’s income tax filing to be extended. In her virtual town hall with WOOD-TV on Thursday, Governor Whitmer suggested that her administration was considering the possibility. There has yet to be an Executive Order delaying the deadline. “By waiting to delay the tax deadline, Governor Whitmer is yet again behind in providing relief for the hardworking families and small businesses of our state,” said Laura Cox, Michigan Republican Party Chairman. Cox continued, “This delay is causing confusion and many people may fail to file on time thinking that state taxes are due in July along with federal tax returns. A problem that could be solved with a single stroke of the governor’s pen. What’s the holdup, Governor?” More >

The following statement is from Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox regarding Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request to seek a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster designation today in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The request comes after Cox criticized Whitmer on Wednesday for not having done so previously. “I’m glad to see that Governor Whitmer has filed for a disaster designation with FEMA. However, it should not take criticism from the Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party for the governor to do the right thing when it comes to the well-being of the good people of Michigan. The time is long overdue for the governor’s partisan posturing to end.” More >

Stocks on Track for 3 Day Winning Streak Following last night’s passage of Phase Three of the federal stimulus package by the U.S. Senate, the stock market continued its 3 day rally Thursday morning. Currently, the market continues on pace for one of its best weeks since 1938. This current rally can be traced directly to the leadership of President Trump and the unprecedented action he has taken to work with Congress to blunt the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the economy. President Trump declared a national emergency, inviting states, territories, and tribes to access over $42 billion in existing funding. Trump signed legislation securing $8.3 billion for coronavirus response. Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, ensuring that American families and businesses impacted by the virus receive the strong support they need. The Small Business Administration has announced disaster loans that provide impacted businesses with up to $2 million. SBA relaxed criteria for disaster assistance loans – expanding small businesses’ access to economic assistance. The president directed the Energy Department to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the strategic reserve. The Treasury Department approved the establishment of the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility to provide liquidity to the financial system. The administration negotiated legislation that will provide tax credits for eligible businesses that give paid leave to Americans affected by the virus. The administration took action to provide more flexibility in unemployment insurance programs for workers impacted by the coronavirus. The Treasury Department moved Tax... More >