Lansing's Black Lives Matter chapter gathered at the Michigan capitol in memory of George Floyd on the anniversary of his death. They acknowledged the progress that has been made, but emphasized the need for more. "We've got to organize, we've got to be united," said Michael Lynn Jr., Lansing activist and former first responder.
A law heavily utilized by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during the COVID-19 pandemic was repealed by the Michigan House of Representatives July 21. The law, commonly known as the Emergency Powers Law, was used to enforce health-related rules and regulations.
The law was created in 1945. In short, it allows the Governor to take action and create regulations or penalties during a state of emergency.
A majority of Michigan's House of Representatives is made up of members of the Republican party. Many of these representatives were not in favor of different health restrictions issued by this law.
The House voted 60-48 to kill the Emergency Powers Law that has been intact for the past 75 years.
“While Gov. Whitmer was making tough decisions during the pandemic, Republican leaders were more interested in trying to make her look bad than saving lives," House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski said.
This article was updated to remove part of House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski’s quote.
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