We join small business groups from across the state of Michigan in backing the tough decision made by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to extend the ìStay Home, Stay Safeî executive order until April 30.

Whitmer reportedly wanted a longer period while Republicans supported something shorter. What got approved was the above-cited extension and a pledge to review the situation once we reach April 30.

ìThis crisis has been devastating for small businesses across our state and Gov. Whitmer has done her part to support small businesses and workers across the state,î Marta Johnson, state coordinator of the Michigan Sustainable Business Council, said in a press release. ìWeíre all in this together and our future relies on us all working together to slow the spread of this virus that has ravaged our state.î

Added Branden Snyder, executive director of Detroit Action and the Michigan Small Business Alliance, in the same release: ìThe worst thing we could do right now is prematurely pull back these important restrictions and make a bad economic situation even worse.î

Most economists and others involved in the COVID-19 battle who weíre aware of plainly state that until the health crisis-segment of this situation is brought to heel, the economic side will continue to founder.

We fully understand the circumstances that small businesses face today. We are, after all, a small business like so many others.

But if we fail to stay the course on the health care side, the economy — in Superiorland, the Upper Peninsula, the state of Michigan or the nation — will never get back on its feet.

Together we can do this!

— The Mining Journal (Marquette)