Senate declines to declare Monday COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day

State Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) on Thursday offered a resolution on the Senate floor to recognize Monday as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day, but the GOP-led body declined to take up the measure that only has Democratic sponsors.

“COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across the globe and has had catastrophic effects on human life, our community, and our economy,” Sen. Polehanki said. “Each life lost to COVID-19 has left a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members and surrounding communities.”

Part of the resolution reads: “Whereas, Each life lost to COVID-19 matters and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, and surrounding communities; and Whereas, Public health guidance and policies targeted at prevention such as social distancing, wearing masks in public, and staying home help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, prevent illness, and lessen the burden on individuals and society; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate March 1, 2021, as COVID‑19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.”

Today, MI GOP refused to vote on my non-partisan resolution to make the first Monday in March “COVID Victims & Survivors Memorial Day.” They sent it to committee to languish. Nor could they be bothered to listen to my speech and had to be gaveled down. #500kdeaths #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/kqd23bcVfz

— Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) February 26, 2021

As of Thursday, 585,352 Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 and 15,453 have died from the virus. There are 28.4 million confirmed cases in the United States and 507,465 deaths.

“We cannot ignore the tragic reality this pandemic has had on our nation, our state, and our local communities,” Polehanki said. “This is the least we can do for those we have lost and those who were fortunate enough to survive.”

Senate Resolution 19 also urged Michigan residents to continue taking preventative measures — such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and following public health orders — to mitigate spread of the coronavirus and protect essential workers and vulnerable populations.

The Michigan Advance submitted a question to GOP leaders at a virtual press conference earlier this month if they would hold a memorial for those who have died in the pandemic, but the question was not taken up.

The Senate returns in session Tuesday. SR 19 has been referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee.