Shelby Review

Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature recently addressed their plans for a path forward after the unconstitutional means by which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held emergency rule of the state, leaving Michigan residents without a clear set of guidelines for handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Republican leadership outlined a county-level, data-driven approach intended to ensure safety and health while providing Michigan residents with a sense of certainty regarding the expectations they will be asked to meet, according to the Michigan House Republicans website.

“This is a data-driven plan that will work in partnership with the medical community to shape the best COVID-19 responses for Michigan,” Rep. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso) told Michigan House Republicans. “Those responses may vary from place to place as the prevalence of the virus and other local conditions may vary. This approach aligns with the feedback I’ve heard from local health experts about the importance of more community-based strategies to keep the curve flattened while protecting lives and livelihoods across our state.”

Rep. Julie Calley | Michigan House Republicans

Frederick was part of the leadership of a group of legislators who worked to refine and manage some of the restrictions that had previously been in place under Whitmer’s emergency powers. It mainly incorporates the same measures that House Republicans have been pushing for Whitmer to cooperate on since April.

“This plan provides certainty and offers hope to guide Michigan through the stress and confusion of this pandemic,” Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland) told Michigan House Republicans. “You will have a voice in determining the COVID-19 responses in place in your own community. And when a decision is made, you will know why. By empowering people and listening to science, Michigan will have a safe, sensible and improved response to the virus as we move forward to better days ahead.”