Rep. Douglas Wozniak | Michigan House Republicans
Rep. Douglas Wozniak | Michigan House Republicans
Rep. Douglas Wozniak (R-Shelby Township) voted for a measure that would check the power the governor has been using during the state of emergency and restore balance among the branches of government.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's original state of emergency was scheduled to expire on April 30. She has extended the order an additional 28 days, a decision Wozniak said is an overreach of her power because she did not consult the Legislature.
“The Legislature worked to reach an agreement on ensuing emergency declarations, but the governor opted to go around the Legislature,” Wozniak said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “This decision moves elected representatives away from the table and, in the process, the voice those representatives are serving as. People are struggling and have legitimate concerns about the administration’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. This broad, unilateral action undercuts those people and their concerns.”
Wozniak also voted for a measure that ensures protection for public health and families who have been affected by the coronavirus.
Senate Bill 858 includes protections for workers who decide to stay home because of COVID-19, procedures to allow education to continue even though school buildings are closed, measures to prevent price gouging, expanded unemployment benefits and eligibility requirements, delaying foreclosures and evictions until June 30, placing restrictions on large public gatherings, putting standards in place for businesses, including cleanliness and social-distancing protocols, and limiting visitors to health care facilities.
Many of these items were addressed by Whitmer during the state of emergency but had expiration dates. The bill would codify these items.
“This was a good-faith effort to take what the governor had done and put it directly into law to protect lives and livelihoods,” Wozniak told Michigan House Republicans. “Working with the Legislature as we move forward in this public health emergency will ensure Michigan comes out healthy and strong.”
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