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State Republican legislative leaders today unveiled a lawsuit challenging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive powers, reflecting the break between the executive and legislative branch over state actions during the coronavirus pandemic.
State GOP leaders Sen. Mike Shirkey, left, and Rep. Lee Chatfield (File photos)
State House Speaker Lee Chatfield tweeted this morning:
We’ve attempted to partner with our governor, but she’s rejected. We offered cooperation, but instead she chose court. This was avoidable, but today we filed a lawsuit in our state to challenge her unconstitutional actions. The law in Michigan is clear, and nobody is above it.
— Lee Chatfield (@LeeChatfield) May 6, 2020
The suit was filed in the state Court of Claims in Lansing.
Craig Mauger writes in The Detroit News:
The debate continues to focus on how long the Democratic governor can keep her state of emergency declaration in place without getting approval from GOP lawmakers who want a say in reopening the state's economy.
The emergency declaration is what allows Whitmer to take unilateral actions to fight the novel coronavirus, like issuing her stay-at-home order that requires most Michigan residents to stay inside their residences. That order is currently in place until May 15.
Republicans want to see the order and other restrictions on businesses lifted more quickly to help salvage the state's economy. Whitmer and Democrats say they're going to rely on science, data and health experts to make decisions about when to reopen the economy.
Democrats contend that Whitmer's emergency powers may be extended at the discretion of the governor and do not require the agreement of the legislature.
The case is likely to end up in the state Supreme Court.
