LANSING, MI (WTVB) – The spirit of cooperation and détente at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan has given way to a caustic back and forth between Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Republican legislative leaders.
She extended the state of emergency and state of disaster in Michigan last Thursday until May 28 after the House adjourned without approving the extension which was proposed by the governor.
Public places that must remain closed include theaters, bars and casinos. It also limits restaurants to only carry-out and delivery orders.
Whitmer used the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 and the Emergency Management Act of 1976 to extend the order.
State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey feels the action taken by Whitmer was illegal. He bluntly said on Monday, “our Governor broke the law Thursday by unilaterally extending the emergency declaration…after the legislature did not extend it.” He added the Governor felt she could do that for perpetuity without legislative approval but Shirkey feels otherwise.
The whole matter is heading to court. Despite his harsh criticism of the Governor, Shirkey is urging Michigan citizens to not ignore the Governor’s Executive Orders.
The state of emergency and the state of disaster declarations are separate from the “Stay at Home” order which is still set to expire on May 15.
In a written statement on last Thursday Whitmer said, “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.”
(WKZO’s Jeana Gondek contributed to this report)
