Genesee News

As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to keep Michigan in a state of emergency, critics are investigating two laws that offer nuanced perspectives into her grip on the state. 

According to NBC 25 News, Gov. Whitmer has claimed that a 1945 law allows her to extend the state of emergency order without having to obtain approval from state lawmakers, while opponents say that a law from 1976 requires that the governor have such an order approved by the state legislature.

Paul Rozycki, former political science professor from Mott Community College, said that technically the governor is within her rights to extend the state of emergency order and the stay-at-home order. 

"It is a little bit weird. I mean, very often, when they pass laws, don't necessarily look back in history,” Rozycki told NBC 25 News. “So I don't know what the history of that law was in detail, but my guess is they simply never bothered to check back and take a look at it." 

Additionally, courts are supporting the governor and claim that she is not abusing her power. 

Both Republicans and Democrats are approaching the management of the pandemic from similar perspectives, but sometimes egos can get in the way. 

"Frankly it's unfortunate they have not been able to work together because they are so close in so many issues, and the differences aren't that great,” Rozycki said. “And for a while it looked like there was going to be some real cooperation, but all of a sudden things just broke down. We live in a very partisan time.”

So far, Whitmer has not budged much on her restrictions and has stayed consistent in her cautioning of residents. She recently extended the state of emergency until May 28, which will keep businesses closed for longer. It is expected that opposition to the governor’s state closure will continue.