Michigan Republicans block Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s lockdown extensions
Republicans in Michigan rallied to block Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 28-day coronavirus emergency lockdown order extension and the House body voted to authorize a lawsuit challenging the Democrat’s authority.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at round table with High School students, Jan 2020 photo/ Julia Pickett via wikipedia
“Whitmer asked the Legislature to approve a 28-day extension of the emergency declaration, which expires Thursday night,” ABC 12 News reported. Instead, the House voted to allow Speaker Lee Chatfield to sue the governor over her “unchecked and undemocratic approach” in handling the virus.
“Members of the Republican-led House passed bills that would replace a series of orders issued by Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with state laws passed through the normal democratic process, according to Speaker Lee Chatfield,” the report said. “He said Republicans support decisive action to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but Whitmer’s ‘unchecked and undemocratic approach’ is not the best way.”
“The current status quo relies on one-size-fits-all edicts that unfairly punish millions of people across the state without giving them any recourse or voice in the process,” said Chatfield, according to ABC 12. “The people deserve a better solution, and we can provide it.”
Whitmer’s extreme lockdown measures drew national attention and protests demanding the state be liberated.
“The latest round of protests came on Thursday as the emergency order was set to expire,” The Daily Wire noted. “Many protesters, some carrying firearms, entered the state capitol building after the weather turned sour.”
BC 12 reported, “one bill replaces nearly all of Whitmer’s orders currently in effect without any loss of critical protections, including protections against price gouging and extensions of tax deadlines,” adding, “The bills include provisions for distance learning while schools are closed and a continued ban on large gatherings.”
“The idea we want to put an abrupt end to the state of emergency and go back to normal immediately is a lazy political talking point,” Chatfield said. “We all agree Michigan must continue taking strong steps to fight the spread of this disease. But we can both protect the public health and protect the individual people who make up our great state.”
Whitmer has “promised to veto any legislation that curtails emergency authority for herself or any future governor,” the report noted. “Whitmer has said that her emergency authority is not tied to State of Emergency extension, so her orders will continue based on other state laws.”
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