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Michigan House/Senate GOP blasted Whitmer today, arguing her refusal to compromise was basis to reject appointees and tie billions in fed. ed. funds to gov. agreeing to give up power.
But Whitmer + GOP compromised in Aug. on... a COVID-19 education plan https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/08/17/michigan-house-approval-education-plan-sends-bills-whitmer/5599329002/
But Whitmer + GOP compromised in Aug. on... a COVID-19 education plan https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/08/17/michigan-house-approval-education-plan-sends-bills-whitmer/5599329002/
The plan was crafted by GOP, working directly w/Whitmer and interest groups. Was more Dem. legislative opposition than from GOP.
Speaker Chatfield called it "a true testament of what can happen when we work in a non-partisan way." https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/08/17/michigan-house-approval-education-plan-sends-bills-whitmer/5599329002/
Speaker Chatfield called it "a true testament of what can happen when we work in a non-partisan way." https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/08/17/michigan-house-approval-education-plan-sends-bills-whitmer/5599329002/
This plan gave local school districts the ability to determine at the local level whether in-person classes, virtual or a combination were best for the district.
But it didn't usurp emergency powers #mileg gave to the health department decades ago
But it didn't usurp emergency powers #mileg gave to the health department decades ago
Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, seemed to imply rejecting governor's appointees was political retribution. He argued the Constitution intended the gov. and #mileg to be equal branches of government.
Constitution also includes veto power for gov, and veto override for legislature
Constitution also includes veto power for gov, and veto override for legislature
The closest Horn came to identifying specific issues that warranted rejecting gubernatorial appointees was when he listed several measures he said Whitmer vetoed without explanation.
But he ended his speech by saying, "We will use the tools that we have without explanation."
But he ended his speech by saying, "We will use the tools that we have without explanation."
. @SenAricNesbitt argued Whitmer has gone out of her way not to work w/lawmakers, arguing (incorrectly) the Mich. Supreme Court "made it very clear to Gov. Whitmer (that she) should not circumvent this Legislature."
MSC ruled on laws effecting gov. power, not health dept power
MSC ruled on laws effecting gov. power, not health dept power
No one on the Senate floor today described any specific, detailed account of the governor refusing to work with lawmakers on COVID-19 policy.
I've asked Senate Majority Leader Shirkey's office for an example of this, and for comment on the appointment rejections.
I've asked Senate Majority Leader Shirkey's office for an example of this, and for comment on the appointment rejections.
Both House/Senate GOP moves are intended as a political and legislative blow to Whitmer's authority.
They also likely indicate a prolonged fight that could delay providing billions of $s in already approved aid to people who desperately need the help. https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/27/whitmer-michigan-senate-gop-appointments/4278767001/
They also likely indicate a prolonged fight that could delay providing billions of $s in already approved aid to people who desperately need the help. https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/27/whitmer-michigan-senate-gop-appointments/4278767001/
This @andrewvandam article reviewing an analysis by Indiana University economists is relevant to the overall conversation in Michigan:
Governors’ shutdowns did not cause the pandemic jobs crisis https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/01/25/lockdowns-job-losses/
Governors’ shutdowns did not cause the pandemic jobs crisis https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/01/25/lockdowns-job-losses/
