Michigan’s highest court confirmed in a landmark decision Friday that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had overstepped her authority by repeatedly issuing emergency COVID-19 declarations without ever getting the approval of state lawmakers.
In a narrow, 4-3 vote, the court held that Whitmer violated state law by not working with the legislature, The Detroit News reported.
“Our decision leaves open many avenues for the governor and Legislature to work together to address this challenge, and we hope that this will take place,” wrote Justice Stephen Markman.
Whitmer said that she “vehemently” disagreed with the ruling and will find ways to keep her directives in effect through “alternative sources of authority.”
While the ruling limits the governor’s power it does leave intact the orders coming from agencies such as The Department of Health and Human Services.
