A showdown between Democrat and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican controlled state legislature is unfolding, as GOP lawmakers in Lansing are challenging Whitmer’s executive orders in court this week. While Whitmer says her leadership is the reason for the state’s dwindling number of COVID-19 cases, a grass roots campaign says she has overstepped her bounds.
A group, which calls itself “Unlock Michigan,” is nearly done collecting signatures for a veto-proof ballot initiative… that would enable the GOP-controlled Legislature to repeal a 1945 law… that gives Whitmer the power to make statewide decisions on her own.
Whitmer shutdown Michigan back in March, when the coronavirus first hit-- and threatened to overwhelm hospitals; while extending her executive powers each month, and issuing statewide mandates like the requirement to wear masks in public spaces.
Throughout the summer, Michigan has fared better with COVID-19 than many other states---after it was initially a hot spot nationally. Whitmer says the low numbers are because OF her emergency orders—while Unlock Michigan spokesman Fred Wszolek said the governor’s contention is “nonsensical.”
Meanwhile, Republicans including Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey have questioned the reasoning behind Whitmer’s orders, and have said no businesses, including movie theaters, should still be closed.
