Shiawassee Times

Finding itself at an impasse, the Republican-controlled Legislature has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in its rejection of her emergency declaration extension.

As states throughout the nation begin the process of reopening the economy, Whitmer sought to extend her emergency declaration, which was set to expire the last week of May.

The Legislature argues the governor is working in an undemocratic fashion, refusing to work in a bipartisan way on behalf of the people. House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) referred to the executive order as a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Townhall reported that legislation has been approved by the House that would replace Whitmer’s order in a normal, democratic process. 

Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) issued a statement on the impasse in a press release on MiSenateGOP. 

“The governor continues to disregard the constitutional separation of power by extending emergency declarations unilaterally,” Barrett wrote. “The Legislature most closely represents the voice of the people, but apparently the governor is not interested in hearing the concerns of Michiganders. It should offend everyone that a governor wants to control power for as long as she chooses.”

Barrett also addressed the governor’s unwillingness to work with the Legislature, stating the while reasonable accommodations can be made to reopen the state, the governor refuses to work in a bipartisan fashion.

For the Republicans' part, Chatfield feels the legislation being sent to Whitmer’s desk provides not only for the reopening of the state but protects the health of residents. 

“The people deserve a better solution, and we can provide it,” Chatfield told Townhall.  

He shared Barrett’s disappointment in the governor’s failure to work with the Legislature. “We believe upholding the democratic process is best for the Michigan people,” Chatfield said. “She just said no. Very disappointing.”

Adding to the disappointment are the mounting economic struggles throughout the nation and state. Unemployment has reached numbers not seen since the Great Depression. 

“Michigan families are hurting,” Barrett said on MiSenateGOP. “Jobs have been lost, and unemployment is soaring.”

It has all come to a head for both the Legislature and governor when it comes to the direction of reopening the state. “The lawsuit was an unfortunate but necessary step to hold the governor accountable,” Barrett told MiSenateGOP.