(June 17, 2021 7:25 AM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation marking June 17 as Essential Worker Appreciation Day. “I am thankful for all of our essential workers for bravely stepping up throughout the pandemic to keep Michiganders safe and our economy running,” said Gov. Whitmer. “From staffing our hospitals to keeping our grocery store shelves stocked, essential workers selflessly served during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the well-being of their fellow Michiganders. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.” "I am grateful for the essential workers who stood tall each day to keep our fellow Michiganders safe," said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “We must remember that many of our essential workers are from communities of color that were disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. We must recommit ourselves to protecting worker’s safety, well-being, and economic security by continuing our work to eliminate racial health disparities and build Michigan into a safer, more inclusive state." This morning Governor Whitmer will join members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in Detroit to celebrate and thank essential workers for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic. At the event, Governor Whitmer will endorse “Hero Pay” legislation to support frontline and essential workers in Michigan. "We could not have made it through the last 15 months as a state without the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of the working people on the front lines," said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. "Hardworking folks in essential roles have risked their…