Some Of Whitmer's Emergency Powers Repealed: Lawmakers React

LANSING, MI — Michigan lawmakers this week responded with mixed reactions after a 1945 law used by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to issue emergency orders during the coronavirus pandemic was killed.

Democrats blasted the Michigan House's 60-48 vote to repeal the 1945 emergency act, approving a petition initiative launched by the conservative group Unlock Michigan, and ensuring the issue won't go before voters during the next election cycle.

State Republicans, on the other hand, approved of the Republican-led House's vote.

"This initiated law will cripple the ability of governors from both parties to act quickly and decisively during public health emergencies, which will ultimately cost lives," Michigan Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) said in a Twitter threat Wednesday.

See More: Michigan House Kills Law Whitmer Used For Coronavirus Orders

Mark Fisk, a spokesperson for the liberal group Keep Michigan Safe, which has been a supporter of Whitmer's executive decisions amid the pandemic, blasted the decision to repeal the law.

“From Day One, Unlock Michigan has been a brazen political power grab designed to hamper the abilities of those in government to act quickly and decisively during public health emergencies," he said. "Today, House Republicans voted to eradicate an important tool for elected leaders trying to save lives and stop the spread of deadly, infectious diseases like COVID-19, Legionnaire’s, tuberculosis and anthrax.”

Unlock Michigan gathered more than the required 500,000 signatures in 2020 before submitting the petition to the Michigan Supreme Court.

Whitmer used the rule to issue COVID-19 executive orders until the Michigan Supreme Court ruled the law she was citing was unconstitutional. However, a separate law from 1976 remains in place and allows the governor to declare emergencies with the caveat that they cannot extend longer than 28 days without legislative approval.

Unlock Michigan now will aim at petitioning to repeal another law that allows state epidemic orders unenforceable after 28 days, according to The Associated Press.

Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township) said she approved the House's vote and the decision to stand up to "an all-too-powerful governor."

“I heard their voices loud and clear,” Bollin said of people who signed the Unlock Michigan petition. “While it took far too long for this petition to reach the Legislature, today I was finally able to cast a vote on behalf of the people I represent and strike this unconstitutional law from the books for good. This was a huge step forward in restoring the balance of power in our state government and making sure that the people of Michigan have a seat at the table when decisions are being made.”

Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills) shared similar beliefs, saying that a state's response to a pandemic or other emergency should be in a collective effort.

“Full input from the people whose lives and livelihoods are affected can help determine a balanced course of action, and the diverse voices of the people of Michigan are best heard when their locally elected representatives are shaping policy in our state," he said.

“Collaboration between the Legislature and the governor is vital to a properly functioning government. We must respond to emergencies hand in hand going forward as outlined in the Emergency Management Act.”