Gretchen Whitmer, faced with lawsuits challenging her use of emergency powers to fight the coronavirus, could continue to prevail in court. If at least 340,000 signatures are deemed valid by the state elections board, the GOP-controlled Legislature would likely repeal the 1945 law rather than let it go to a 2022 public vote. A 1976 law, which requires legislative approval to extend a state of emergency, would remain intact. He urged people to consider if they would be OK with 2018 gubernatorial candidate Bill Schuette or President Donald Trump, both Republicans, wielding emergency powers permanently with no need to consult lawmakers. If the 1945 law is rescinded, Whitmer's ability to reimpose restrictions would be subject to legislative negotiation.

Gretchen Whitmer issuing coronavirus (COVID-19) executive orders without their approval reached the court Friday, and neither side held back. As Whitmer considers the states next moves, the battle over her stay-at-home order played out in court. But the assistant solicitor general Chris Allen said Whitmer was left without a choice after Republicans blocked an extension of her executive orders. After a Supreme Court in Wisconsin struck down a stay-at-home order this week, all eyes have turned to Michigan. Whitmers current stay-at-home order and state of emergency are in effect until May 28.