LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is extending the state of emergency in Michigan for another 28 days.
This comes just hours after the House adjourned for the week without approving the extension proposed by the governor.
The several executive orders issued by the governor extend closures for some businesses while lengthening her state of emergency and state of disaster until May 28th. Those public places that must remain closed include theaters, bars and casinos. It also limits restaurants to only carry-out and delivery orders.
In a written statement on Thursday Whitmer said, “Today I signed new emergency and disaster declarations using independent sources of statutory authority to make sure our health care workers and first responders have the tools they need to save lives and protect Michiganders. We’re all in this together. Defeating COVID-19 is an all hands on deck moment for our state, and I remain hopeful that Republicans in the legislature will stop the partisan games and start working with me to re-engage our economy safely and responsibly.”
She also stated that, “Republican lawmakers are putting their heads in the sand and putting more lives and livelihoods at risk. I’m not going to let that happen.” The governor cited the growing amount of coronavirus cases in Michigan and explained that although there are signs that the virus is slowing, it still remains “aggressive and persistent.”
Hundreds gathered at the Capitol on Thursday to protest the governor’s stay at home order. Some even made their way inside expressing that they believe the governor is more concerned about expanding her power than the way these orders are impacting the economy.
However, the state of emergency is separate from the stay at home order. The stay at home order is still set to expire on May 15.
Governor Whitmer’s latest Executive Orders are as follows:
- Executive Order 2020-66: Terminates the existing state of emergency and disaster declarations issued under the Emergency Management Act in Executive Order 2020-33.
- Executive Order 2020-67: Clarifies that a state of emergency remains in effect under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945. The order is effective immediately and continues through May 28, 2020 at 11:59pm. The governor will evaluate the continuing need for this order prior to its expiration, and if she determines that an emergency no longer exists, will terminate or extend the state of emergency declared in this order.
- Executive Order 2020-68: Declares a state of emergency and a state of disaster across the State of Michigan under the Emergency Management Act of 1976. The state of emergency and state of disaster declared by this order will be effective through May 28, 2020 at 11:59pm, and the governor will evaluate the continuing need for the order prior to its expiration, terminate the states of emergency and disaster if the threat or danger has passed.
