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Rep. Outman votes to approve Unlock Michigan petition restricting governor’s abuse of emergency powers
RELEASE|July 21, 2021
Contact: Pat Outman

State Rep. Pat Outman today voted with a majority of House legislators to repeal an unconstitutional law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used to impose onerous restrictions on the people of Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlock Michigan’s initiative repeals a 1945 law used by the governor to issue emergency orders without legislative approval in the early months of the pandemic. The Michigan Supreme Court previously ruled unanimously to certify the petition, telling the Board of Canvassers they have a clear legal duty to do so. 

“It’s no secret our governor has abused her power throughout Michigan’s COVID-19 shutdown,  by shuttering small businesses, devastating our economy, mandating stay-at-home orders, and making it unlawful for people to visit their elderly or infirm family members in nursing homes,” said Rep. Outman. “These were enormous abuses of power, and the Unlock Michigan petition was a citizen-driven initiative meant to check it. I’m proud of my constituents and residents across Michigan for holding the governor accountable for these actions. It just goes to show the power of each voter’s voice, and the importance of our three-branch system.”

In October 2020, Unlock Michigan submitted more than 460,000 valid signatures for a petition to repeal the 1945 law regarding executive powers for governors. The required number of signatures to validate a petition is approximately 340,000. 

With the petition now approved by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature, the governor cannot veto or otherwise block the petition.

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