Michigan Dems Blast Petition Targeting Public Health Orders

LANSING, MI — Michigan Democrats on Tuesday blasted a petition effort spearheaded by the conservative group Unlock Michigan that seeks to limit the emergency powers of the state's health department.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes criticized Unlock Michigan and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey for the petition effort, saying the petition undermines the ability of public health experts to make critical decisions during a public health crisis.

“This irresponsible, underhanded attempt by Majority Leader Shirkey and his Unlock Michigan group is nothing more than a cynical Republican ploy to undermine the ability of frontline physicians and first responders to save lives during a public health crisis, such as COVID-19,” Barnes said. “It is also the latest example of Shirkey’s partisan efforts to tie Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s hands at a time when the state of Michigan is seeing fewer and fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths every day. I call on Senate Majority Leader Shirkey to immediately denounce this effort that puts the lives of all Michiganders in danger now and for generations to come.”

Related: Conservative Group's Petition Targets MI Public Health Orders

Unlock Michigan's petition would require legislative approval to extend emergency orders during a pandemic beyond 28 days, The Associated Press reported.

Last year, Unlock Michigan was able to gather enough voter signatures to repeal a 75-year-old-law cited by the Whitmer administration as it issued executive orders during the coronavirus pandemic. The law was later ruled unconstitutional.

The Whitmer administration continued to issue executive orders through the powers of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services under a 1978 law giving the state's health director authorities to do so.

But that law would be revised under the new measure, which would require the legislature to OK any extension on an order after 28 days. The Associated Press reported that local health officers looking to impose restrictions also would need the approval of their local governing body.

The initiative announced Monday comes shortly after the Michigan Board of Canvassers was essentially told via court order to certify a prior Unlock Michigan initiative repealing the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act.

Once certified, that initiative is expected to be adopted by the Michigan Legislature as opposed to being approved by voters, The Detroit News reported