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Whitmer: Efforts to repeal emergency powers are 'very dangerous'

Posted at 3:34 PM, Aug 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-19 15:34:05-04

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the efforts to repeal the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 are "very dangerous."

In May, Michigan's Republican leaders filed a lawsuit against the governor over her emergency powers.

Judge Cynthia Stephens ruled that the Republicans challenge to the governor's authority to declare a state of emergency under the EPGA were "meritless."

Additionally, a group called Unlock Michigan has been circulating a petition that aims to repeal the 1945 act.

In a press conference on Wednesday, the governor said the group is using "unscrupulous measures" to collect signatures, including informing people it's an effort to support her.

"If these powers weren't in effect right now, we would look a heck of a lot more like Florida," she said.

"None of this has been easy. I do not relish using any of these powers," she said.

She also said those circulating the petition are in the minority, as a "vast majority" support her measures.

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