GOP lawmakers reject Michigan’s virus order; Whitmer unfazed

LANSING, Mich. — The Republican-led Michigan Legislature refused Thursday to extend the state’s coronavirus emergency declaration and voted to authorize a lawsuit challenging Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s authority and actions to combat the pandemic.

The governor, unfazed, responded with orders stating under one law that an emergency still exists, while under another law declaring new 28-day states of emergency and disaster. The latter measure will ensure health care workers continue to have special legal protections, she said.

Whitmer accused GOP lawmakers of “putting their heads in the sand and putting more lives and livelihoods at risk. I’m not going to let that happen.”

The Legislature’s moves came as hundreds of conservative activists, including some who were openly carrying assault rifles, returned to the Capitol to denounce her stay-at-home order.

Whitmer wanted legislators to extend her emergency declaration before it was to expire late Thursday. But at the same time, she believes she has other powers to respond to the crisis and does not need a legislatively approved extension — which Republicans dispute and plan to challenge in court.

The declaration is the foundation for Whitmer’s stay-at-home measure, which will remain in effect through May 15, and other directives aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. It has infected more than 41,000 Michigan residents and contributed to the deaths of 3,789, many in the Detroit area.

The virus and the steps taken to curb it, including the closure of nonessential businesses, have had a devastating effect on the economy. In her new emergency declaration, Whitmer said cases are doubling every six days or faster in some counties in western and northern Michigan.

The House and Senate voted along party lines for a bill — which Whitmer will veto — that would temporarily codify many of her orders but not her stay-at-home directive.

Republicans accused Whitmer of ignoring their input.

“We can no longer allow one person to make decisions for 10 million people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey of Clarklake.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3fbQoOG