Midwest States Will Collaborate To Reopen Economies, As Regional Alliances Take The Lead

TOPLINE

The governors of seven Midwestern states announced on Thursday a pact to work together to reopen their economies following coronavirus shutdowns, the third such regional alliance to form this week following states in the northeast and the west coast as governors take action in the absence of federal guidance on how and when to reopen. 

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND 

The governors of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island announced on Monday a pact to work together to reopen the Northeast. California, Washington and Oregon formed a similar alliance also on Monday to coordinate rolling back restrictions on the West Coast. While President Trump has consistently pushed states to pursue a May 1 reopen date, he said on Thursday that he would not impose his timing on the governors, the New York Times
NYT
reported. However, Director of the Centers For Disease Control Robert Redfield said Wednesday that it would likely be possible for up to 20 states that had experienced limited outbreaks to begin reopening in early May.

CRUCIAL QUOTE

“Our number one priority when analyzing when best to reopen our economy is the health and safety of our citizens. We will make decisions based on facts, science, and recommendations from experts in health care, business, labor, and education,” the joint statement reads.

TANGENT 

In Michigan, many citizens chafed against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order. Thousands flouted those requirements on Wednesday by attending a protest at the state capitol.

FURTHER READING 

Midwestern Governors Form Coalition To Reopen Regional Economies (WSJM)

Cuomo, Northeast Governors Say They Will Coordinate Reopening, Though Trump Insists It’s His Decision (Forbes)

Pro-Trump Group Gathers Thousands In Drive-By Protest Of Michigan’s Stay-At-Home Order (Forbes)

Trump’s Hopes For Reopening The Country Contends With The Need For Broader Testing (Forbes)

Governors’ Coronavirus Pacts Could Thwart Trump Goal Of Reopening Country (Politico)

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