LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate and House have both voted to expand the state’s emergency declaration for the coronavirus pandemic by 23 days.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said last week she wanted the Legislature to extend the Emergency Declaration and Disaster order for 70 more days -- bringing us to June 9. Senators first decided to extend the declaration by just 23 days for now, bringing us to April 30. The Michigan House passed the measure later Tuesday afternoon.
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“We agree that emergency circumstances persist in our state and are prepared to support an extension of the governor’s emergency declaration, but feel a 70 day extension is too long," read a statement last week from Rep. Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake), the Michigan Senate Majority Leader.
The governor is also asking the Legislature to approve an extension of her emergency powers. The extension does not mean the stay-at-home order would last that long. It would extend Whitmer’s ability to make emergency orders if she deemed it necessary.
Right now, Michigan’s stay-at-home order is set to end April 14.
Read more: Governor considers extension of ‘stay home’ order as coronavirus cases continue to rise