Michigan’s GOP-controlled Senate is considering forming a joint committee that would be able to suspend rules administered by state agencies between legislative sessions.
The Senate proposal, Concurrent Resolution 36, would form a joint committee of the state’s Legislature to act between legislative sessions. Michigan’s constitution gives the committee power to suspend rules and regulations issued by state administrative agencies.
“Right now, our state needs an economic relief package to support working families and small business, funding for vaccine and PPE distribution, and a mask mandate to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” a spokesperson for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in response to the plan. “The legislature should start listening to what the people of our state need right now and work with Governor Whitmer so we can return to a strong economy and normal day-to-day activities.”
Michigan’s current COVID-19 orders have been issued through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which has been the governor’s work around after Michigan’s Supreme Court struck down the law Whitmer was utilizing to issue emergency orders.
Whitmer announced tougher restrictions for the state on Nov. 18, banning indoor dining, youth sporting events, and mandating the state’s high schools switch over to virtual learning for three weeks. The governor later announced she was extending the restrictions through Dec. 20.
The current legislative session in Michigan is set to expire on Dec. 18, meaning a newly-formed joint committee could operate from then through Jan. 13, when a new legislative session convenes.
The joint committee would not be able to strike down any of the governor’s current orders but would be able to strike down an extension to the orders after the committee is formed.
Michigan’s Republican-controlled Legislature has grown increasingly frustrated in recent months as the governor has continued to ignore their plea to be involved in the decision-making process.
“The Supreme Court has told the governor that she needs to work with the Legislature. I think the onus is placed on the governor to work with the people’s chamber, unfortunately, she has not done that,” Michigan state Rep. Phil Green told the Washington Examiner last month after Whitmer announced the latest round of restrictions.
Michigan state Rep. Jack O’Malley agreed, also pointing out that the Legislature had offered the governor a “regional plan” that was painted with a “fine brush” instead of “painting with a roller.”
“You get the Legislature, let’s work on this together, let’s push this message forward, we do have a pandemic,” O’Malley said. “But when you stand on the hill and plant your flag and give everybody else the raspberries, people get upset.”
The Senate is expected to vote on Concurrent Resolution 36 on Thursday.
