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Michigan Republicans take Gretchen Whitmer to court as state’s battle over emergency orders deepens

LANSING, Mich. – Lawmakers have gone to court over Michigan’s stay-at-home orders -- Republican lawmakers claim Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is breaking the law, but with nearly 50,000 confirmed cases in Michigan, Whitmer said she’s trying to save lives.

RELATED: Extending State of Emergency is not the same thing as extending stay-at-home order

The issue went before a judge Friday morning. Republican lawmakers claim Whitmer has overstepped her authority by issuing emergency orders due to the pandemic and argue she needs approval from Lansing to extend executive orders.

RELATED: WATCH: Michigan Court of Claims hearing on Legislature suit vs. Whitmer’s emergency orders

Michigan is currently under its third emergency declaration since the first case of COVID-19 in March.

Whitmer asserts she’s in her right, citing the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 and the Emergency Management Act of 1976

Both sides are expected to hear back from the court next week. The judge did say she believe the case could go up to Michigan Supreme Court.

RELATED: Michigan nurses, senators support Gov. Whitmer’s coronavirus response efforts amid lawsuits


About the Authors
Priya Mann headshot

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

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