Michigan Senate moves to repeal governor's emergency powers

[TexasTowelie]

LANSING — Republican state senators on Thursday approved the repeal of the Michigan law that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used to order emergency lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic, when Michigan was among the states hardest hit by COVID-19.

The state Senate's 20-15 vote along partisan lines came two days after the Board of State Canvassers certified Unlock Michigan's petition drive to repeal the 1945 law Whitmer used to maintain a state of emergency and lockdown past 28 days without the Legislature's input. The petition received about 460,000 valid signatures, which was far more than the approximately 340,000 that were needed.

Because it resulted from a petition drive, Whitmer would not be allowed to veto the repeal if the Republican-led House also approves it, as it's expected to do. The repeal is a priority in the state House and a vote will be scheduled soon, House GOP Spokesman Gideon D'Assandro told The Associated Press.

Throughout the pandemic, many Republican elected officials called Whitmer a dictator for her actions, including former President Donald Trump. In October, six people were charged in federal court over an alleged plot to kidnap her due to outrage over her pandemic policies.

Read more: https://www.cheboygannews.com/story/news/politics/state/2021/07/16/michigan-senate-moves-repeal-governors-emergency-powers/7989447002/

[MichMan]

1. This isn't completely correct

Gov Whitmer initially declared a pandemic emergency under a 1976 law that allowed one for 28 days, after which the legislature needed to approve any further extensions.

As I recall, when it was going to expire, she requested a 70 day extension and was only given another 28. She then reissued her orders under a 1945 law that allowed the governor to declare an emergency indefinitely.

The Michigan SC later ruled that the 1945 law was unconstitutional and that it was superceded by the 1976 law. The latest move by the Republicans was to repeal the 1945 law. The 1976 law remains in place.

I have to say I agree because no governor should be able to unilaterally declare an emergency indefinitely for any reason whatsoever without any checks and balances.