Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling on the Michigan Supreme Court to clarify the start date of its ruling against the governor’s COVID-19 executive orders.
Whitmer, who has publicly criticized the Court’s decision, is asking for a delay in lifting the statewide restrictions. Whitmer says a start date of Oct. 30 would have positive effects on Michiganders.
“We need this transition period to protect the 830,000 Michigan workers and families who are depending on unemployment benefits to pay their bills and put food on the table, and to protect Michiganders everywhere who are counting on their leaders to protect them,” said Whitmer. “The Supreme Court has spoken, and while I vehemently disagree with their ruling, I’m ready to work across the aisle with Republicans in the legislature where we can find common ground to slow the spread of the virus and rebuild our economy. It’s time for Republicans in the Legislature to get to work and start showing that they are taking this crisis seriously. They can start by canceling their October recess and getting back to work. Let’s work together and get this done.”
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Friday that Whitmer had no authority to issue the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act, nor did she have the power to extend a state of emergency in Michigan.
Whitmer’s actions were deemed unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she will no longer enforce Whitmer’s executive order, but encourages Michiganders to keep themselves, and others, safe.
Nessel’s office released the following statement:
“In light of the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, the Attorney General will no longer enforce the Governor’s Executive Orders through criminal prosecution. However, her decision is not binding on other law enforcement agencies or state departments with independent enforcement authority. It’s her fervent hope that people continue to abide by the measures that Governor Whitmer put in place – like wearing face masks, adhering to social distancing requirements and staying home when sick – since they’ve proven effective at saving lives. If it weren’t for the Governor’s actions, countless more of our friends, family and neighbors would have been lost to COVID-19. We can respect both the court’s decision and the advice of medical experts by continuing with these important measures voluntarily.”
Despite the ruling, some counties have continued to enforce restrictions put in place by the governor’s office.