A Michigan state representative said that it is time for the Legislature and governor to work together instead of fighting for control after the state Supreme Court ruled against the governor's use of emergency powers during COVID-19.
The state's highest court stated that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's unending emergency powers violated the state Constitution without the Michigan Legislature's approval, The Detroit News reported in October about the decision.
Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Berrien) told the St. Joe-Benton Harbor News that the ruling is by no means Michiganders should stop taking precautions related to COVID-19, such as wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings.
"This ruling by no means says that," Paquette told the St. Joe-Benton Harbor News.
Paquette said, as a former civics teacher, that he considers the ruling a fundamental example of the checks and balances everyone learns about in school.
The Legislature extended the state of emergency related to the coronavirus in April and expressed working in cooperating with Whitmer's administration in the best interests of the people of the state.
"But our voices, as the body that is closest to the people, we were being completely ignored," Paquette told the St. Joe-Benton Harbor News. "So, we as legislators, we learned about executive orders as they came out that day, and then we'd hear from thousands of people around the state — whether it be landscapers or roofers or cement pourers — and multitudes of others that were sidelined."
The executive orders became more specific and invasive in people's lives and decision-making, from banning the operation of boats with motors to blocking off gardening supplies in stores, he said.
"Just some very obtuse and some very heavy-handed rules that were put into place that, it couldn't be changed without legal action," Paquette told the St. Joe-Benton Harbor News.
"These executive orders, they have been pitting good people against one another, without wiggle-room for modification, and thus that is the main reason why we, as the legislature, chose not to extend the state of emergency back on April 30," Paquette said.
Ultimately, the ruling opens up avenues for Whitmer to now work with the Legislature to ensure Michiganders' safety, he said.
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