Novi Times

Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) issued a public statement after Senate Bills 857 and 858 passed the Michigan Senate. This legislation puts in place a check to the governor’s power. Spurred by Gov. Whitmer's passing another executive order, these bills require her vote of approval to pass.

In his statement, Runestad said that the safety of families and the community are his priority as the state and nation transition out of COVID-19 closures.

“Today I voted to make commonsense changes to the emergency-powers laws the governor is using to fight the coronavirus. These changes allow the Legislature to have a continued role in state government’s response to emergencies,” said Runestad on MiSenateGOP. “What we have learned to date is that government works best when the governor and Legislature work together for the good of the state.”

The legislation passed the same day that Whitmer extended her executive order. This change also lifts business restrictions. Specifically, landscapers, pesticide companies and outdoor workers who practice safe social distancing can now go back to work.

In part, the bills are amending two acts. One is from 1945, which gives the governor the ability to declare a state of emergency with no checks. The change now requires the Legislature to vote and approve a state of emergency.

The next change would reduce states of emergency to 14 days instead of 28. These changes are in response to the widespread challenges that the COVID-19 crisis has brought to Michigan constituents. 

“I am encouraged by these steps, but I would still prefer to see broader re-engagement of the economy under the new normal of social distancing and cleanliness standards, rather than outlining which specific practices are permitted or not by the governor, " Runestad wrote on MiSenateGOP.

In addition to legislative changes, Runestad also said that he wanted to see changes in the community in order to better support and take care of each other.