Fifty-two percent of Michigan voters oppose a petition drive that would repeal a 1945 law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has used to continue an emergency declaration during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new statewide poll. But that may not stop the GOP-led Legislature from enacting the initiative anyway.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer governs by ‘fiat,’ GOP argues in suit over Michigan pandemic powers
The Michigan Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday in a high-stakes case challenging Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency authority amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican-led Legislature sued the governor and is expected to take the fight to the Michigan Supreme Court if necessary.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer orders state police to enforce COVID executive orders
As coronavirus cases rise in Michigan — and enforcement of social distancing rules is spotty statewide — the governor orders state police to enforce her executive orders like any other law and requires state agencies to consider pulling licenses of violators.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer lets Detroit casinos open but limits northern Michigan indoor bars
Detroit casinos can reopen at limited capacity next week but some northern Michigan bars will have to end indoor service again under an executive order signed late Wednesday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Posted inMichigan Government
A third of Michigan’s COVID deaths are in nursing homes. Who is to blame?
Michigan Republicans claim Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s policies are partially to blame for 2,000 nursing home deaths. But new data show the state is far from alone in failing to protect its most vulnerable from the virus, as states like Florida once heralded for its policies are seeing dramatic spikes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact Squad | No, Michigan Gov. Whitmer did not ‘defund the police’
Conservative “news” outlets, activists and a Republican super PAC this week falsely accused Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of “defunding the police” by executive order. Fact Squad sets the record straight.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s GOP-led Legislature considers rare veto override against Whitmer
Republican legislators are pushing for rare veto override votes this week at the Michigan Capitol after Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed bills to strengthen whistleblower protections for state workers and delay summer tax bills for property owners. The proposals previously passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer tightens Michigan’s mask order but makes it optional when voting
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tightened her COVID-19 mask mandate on Friday in an attempt to coax compliance by reluctant businesses, saying they cannot “assume” someone without a mask is exempt because of a medical condition.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Violence erupts in Michigan over state mask mandate ‘powder keg’
Tensions are boiling over as confrontations increase over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s mask rule designed to contain COVID-19 becomes “the number one anxiety-producing pain point for retailers right now.”
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Whitmer’s school reopening plan puts student, teacher safety first
The state’s roadmap for school reopening during the pandemic allows flexibility for communities to make their own decisions, while requiring safety protocols meant to help stem the spread of COVID-19, says AFT teacher union president David Hecker.