Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been widely criticized for her heavy-handed “emergency” coronavirus orders.
Now? Even as the pandemic dwindles out, she’s refusing to give back power.
The emergency order, which was set to expire Friday, will now be extended until at least July 16–nearly a month away.
“The aggressive measures we took at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have worked to flatten the curve, but there is still more to be done to prevent a second wave,” Whitmer said in a statement.
The Republican-controlled legislature, however, is pushing back with a court battle against the governor–arguing that she has exceeded her power and violated the state constitution.
Whitmer called those efforts to limit her power “irresponsible, dangerous, and foolish.”
Republicans will face Whitmer in the state Court of Appeals in August.
Despite declining cases in Michigan, which was once a national hotspot, Whitmer has vowed to continue her stranglehold on power until a vaccine is available.
“Life will not be back to normal for some time to come,” said Whitmer.