Kalamazoo Times

Frustrations abound with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her unwillingness to loosen her restrictions on the state of Michigan. 

According to News Talk WBCK, the governor recently attempted to seize power and render the Legislature powerless in their pushback of her policies surrounding the state’s economy.

Due to the unflinching stance that Gov. Whitmer has taken, the Michigan House of Representatives has formed a new joint oversight committee, tasked with reviewing the governor’s decisions and preparedness during the COVID-19 crisis. 

According to his Michigan House Republicans, Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall) has been frustrated by the governor’s office, after learning that Whitmer may be able to refuse cooperation with the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic if she is not pleased with the requests being submitted to her. 

“Based on the comments that were made in these reports, I felt it was necessary to send this letter to ensure the Legislature can provide proper and needed oversight during this ongoing public health emergency,” Hall told Michigan House Republicans. “As the governor said herself – transparency and accountability are important.”

Hall continued, saying that he has received thousands of calls and emails, as residents of Michigan are sharing their frustration over their limitations and inability to provide for their families. 

“People are facing incredible hardship, and they deserve answers from decision-makers,” Hall said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “Filing this letter will help provide those answers. It is imperative that requests for information that the committee sends are taken seriously and responded to promptly. Not for political points or partisan gamesmanship, but for the people we represent.”

In his letter, Hall addressed Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) and Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (Clarklake), sharing his concerns that the requests issued by the committee would be dismissed, as they often are. 

“Therefore, as the Chair of the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic, I am requesting that the House and Senate pass a Concurrent Resolution, giving the Committee full subpoena power under MCL 4.101,” Hall wrote in his letter.