Unique Position:: McMorrow was only the second sitting senator in Michigan history to give birth while in office, following Senator Stephanie Chang just a year prior. Unlike Chang, McMorrow's due date fell during the legislative session, posing immediate logistical challenges.
In-Person Mandate:: Despite technological capabilities for remote participation, the Michigan state legislature required in-person attendance for sessions and voting, adhering strictly to tradition. This posed significant risks and difficulties for McMorrow, especially being pregnant during a pandemic and facing a nearly 100-mile commute.
Lack of Policy:: State legislators in Michigan were not covered by the state employee paid family leave policy announced by Governor Whitmer, leaving McMorrow without official leave provisions. Legislators operate under their own rules, accountable primarily to voters.
Broader Implications:: The insistence on in-person work wasn't just a personal challenge but highlighted a systemic vulnerability. Expert Norm Ornstein had previously warned, post-9/11, that requiring in-person congressional presence created national security risks, a warning unheeded even during the pandemic.
Why this matters:: These challenges underscore the need for modernizing legislative processes to accommodate diverse life circumstances, ensuring representation isn't hindered by outdated practices. It also highlights potential risks to government continuity during crises and the importance of adapting protocols.
McMorrow's experience, detailed in "Hate Won't Win," shines a light on the inflexibility encountered within governmental structures during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. While many sectors pivoted to remote operations, the Michigan legislature's insistence on physical presence, driven largely by tradition and established norms often upheld by long-serving members, created significant hurdles. This wasn't merely inconvenient; it was potentially dangerous.
The Capitol became a transmission hotspot, leading one journalist to label it "the most dangerous workplace in the state." The situation was so concerning that House staffers filed an occupational hazard complaint with MIOSHA due to leadership's refusal to adopt safety protocols. The death of a Michigan House representative, Isaac Robinson, from the virus early in the pandemic underscored the real risks involved.
Furthermore, the lack of remote options echoed a larger, unresolved issue of governmental continuity. Norm Ornstein's warnings in *The Atlantic* about the vulnerability of Congress due to its in-person requirements—initially raised after 9/11 and reiterated during the pandemic—showed that this adherence to tradition could paralyze government function during major disruptions like pandemics or terrorist attacks. McMorrow's personal struggle during her pregnancy became a microcosm of this larger institutional rigidity. Her book uses this experience to frame a call for change, urging citizens to recognize their power in shaping more adaptable and representative governance.
Q: What is Mallory McMorrow's book "Hate Won't Win" about?
It details her political journey, focusing on overcoming challenges and providing a guide for readers to find their voice, get involved, and advocate for positive change in their communities. The excerpt focuses specifically on her experiences as a pregnant legislator during the pandemic.
Q: Why couldn't Michigan legislators work remotely during the pandemic?
Despite available technology, the legislature required in-person participation due to a "stubborn adherence to the way things had always been done," largely maintained by traditional power structures. There was a refusal to adopt measures allowing remote hearings or voting.
Q: Did McMorrow have access to paid family leave?
No. State legislators in Michigan are not classified as typical state employees and lacked an official leave policy, unlike other state workers who were guaranteed 12 weeks under a new administration policy.
Modernization Needed:: Legislative bodies need to adapt protocols to reflect modern capabilities and diverse needs, ensuring participation isn't limited by outdated rules, especially during crises.
Voting Matters:: Legislators are accountable to their constituents. Your vote influences who holds these positions and, consequently, the rules and environment they operate under.
Advocacy is Key:: McMorrow's book encourages readers to engage in their communities and advocate for the changes they wish to see, reinforcing the idea that individuals have the power to improve governance.
Preparedness is Crucial:: The pandemic highlighted systemic weaknesses in government continuity planning, emphasizing the need for robust contingency plans that allow essential functions to continue safely during emergencies.
McMorrow's experience raises questions about tradition versus practicality in governance. Do you think legislative bodies should offer remote participation options permanently? Let us know!
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