Capitol News

In response to the outbreak and exponential spread of COVID-19, Americans for Prosperity and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy is announcing a partnership to help American workers. 

According to Mackinac.org, Americans for Prosperity and the Mackinac Center have joined together to help federal officials -- as well as state governors, lawmakers and attorneys general -- to get policies designed and passed to help the American workers in light of the COVID-19 virus.

“National and state policy responses must not only consider the very real threat to our public health, but also the livelihoods of the American workforce,” reads Mackinac’s website. “Together, our organizations are providing a road map for policymakers that can immediately empower workers and unleash innovation.”

The issues that the partnership seeks to address include the following: shoring up the health care system, aiding American employers and providing protection to American employees. 

In the health care category, the partnership is working to pass licensing recognition across state lines, which would allow health care professionals to provide services in a larger area. Additionally, Mackinac and Americans for Prosperity hope to remove certificate-of-need laws for certain services, including Intensive Care Unit wings and imaging technology. 

American employers are receiving support from the partnership through the removal of weight and transport restrictions in the trucking industry, as a way to expedite the flow of essential items. Additionally, the two organizations are seeking to suspend the Jones Act to ease restrictions for fuel and other supplies. 

Finally, American employees will be aided by the rollback of nonessential restrictions on entrepreneurs’ opportunities for work and increased allowances for flexibility of entrepreneurs, as well as loosened restrictions on employment laws. 

Erica Jedynak, director of employment initiatives at Americans for Prosperity, said that her organization is hopeful for these measures and their potential for positive change.

“AFP is calling on our leaders to break down barriers for Americans serving their communities during this trying time. Licensing reform is one way we can help unleash innovation and increase access to vital health care and economic opportunity,” Jedynak said, according to Mackinac.org.