Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine asked President Trump and Congress on Friday to support the auto industry during the coronavirus pandemic.
“As we work through this crisis as a nation, we must do what’s right to support our auto workers, who are the backbone of America’s middle class,” Whitmer said in a statement “We need swift action from the president and Congress to confront these challenges and avoid devastating job losses. Our dedication to working families and businesses must transcend partisanship. That’s why we made this request together today.”
The request suggests actions like providing loan guarantees to manufacturers and allowing companies to defer 2020 quarterly taxes as a way of addressing liquidity challenges as the economy is set to suffer from the spread of COVID-19. It also suggests allowing banking regulators to temporarily suspend certain requirements in order to provide flexibility for banks providing credits, as well as increasing purchases of commercial paper.
The coronavirus is set to impact automakers, suppliers, dealers and others in the production chain of the auto industry, Whitmer’s office said.
As of Saturday, Michigan is reporting 549 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and three deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Ohio has 247 confirmed cases and one death as of Saturday, according to its Department of Health. There are more than 15,000 confirmed cases and 201 deaths nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“To mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19, we need leaders from both sides of the aisle, from local government to federal, to come together and do what’s best for our workers, our businesses, and our economy,” Whitmer said. “Hundreds of thousands of families are depending on smart leadership. My fellow leaders and I are committed to doing whatever is necessary to see our states through this crisis, and we’re hopeful that the president does the same.”
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State News and The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
