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Debate in Michigan over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

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These pages were updated from March 2020 through June 2020 and do not contain the latest commentary available. To submit arguments for inclusion on this page, email editor@ballotpedia.org. To learn how Ballotpedia decides which arguments to feature, click here.


Ballotpedia is providing comprehensive coverage of how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting America's political and civic life. In addition to monitoring federal, state, and local responses to the coronavirus, we are also capturing the nationwide and local debates on whether to extend or lift coronavirus-related restrictions affecting the economy, schools, government operations, public health, religious services, and travel.

These arguments come from a variety of sources, including public officials, journalists, think tanks, economists, scientists, and other stakeholders. We encourage you to share the debates happening in your local community to editor@ballotpedia.org.


This article covers the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Michigan in response to the coronavirus pandemic. You will find the following:


Debate over stay-at-home orders in Michigan

See also: Debate over stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on the stay-at-home order in Michigan.

  • Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) (CBS News): Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended Michigan’s emergency declaration through May 28.

    "We remain in the state of emergency. … That is a fact. For anyone to declare 'mission accomplished' means that they're turning a blind eye to the fact that over 600 people have died in the last 72 hours." - "Michigan governor extends coronavirus state of emergency, but could face legal challenges," May 1, 2020.

  • Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R) (The Detroit News): The Michigan Senate approved a bill that would limit the governor’s emergency powers and would lower the number of days the governor could declare a state of emergency from 28 to 14. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R) explained his support for the bill.

    "We expect government to have the tools necessary to act in times of crisis, but changes to the current law are needed to ensure we do not vest too much power in the hands of a single individual and leave no room for balance or input from our citizens." - "Senate backs bill repealing Whitmer's powers; oversight panel created for gov," April 24, 2020.

  • Detroit News Editorial Board (Detroit News): Data indicates Michigan has contained the coronavirus, so Governor GrethenWhitmer's (D) decision to extend emergency conditions for another month is a mistake.

    "After three long months of battling the COVID-19 virus, Michigan has the pandemic here under control. Given the glowing reports on Michigan's success in managing the crisis, the governor should have taken a victory lap and declared the emergency over. ... With Michigan now in the green zone for COVID-19 risk, there is no justification for continuing the emergency, which has allowed the governor to take over nearly every aspect of life in the state, including the personal activity of its residents and private sector commerce." - "Editorial: Extension of emergency not justified by data," June 18, 2020.

  • U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell (R) (Detroit News): U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell (R) filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, arguing that the stay-at-home order “violated the separation of powers among the legislative and executive branches and his rights to association, intrastate travel and engaging in commerce.”

    "No Michigander ... should be forced to choose between risking criminal prosecution and economic sanctions under the Lockdown Orders on the one hand or seeking medical treatment on the other." - "GOP congressman sues Whitmer to overturn 'unreasonable' emergency actions," May 4, 2020.

  • Michigan Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray (mLIVE): Judge Christopher Murray ruled that Michigan’s stay-at-home order—in particular, the mandatory quarantine and travel restrictions—did not violate the plaintiffs’ due process rights.

    "Our fellow residents have an interest to remain unharmed by a highly communicable and deadly virus. … And since the state entered the Union in 1837, it has had the broad power to act for the public health of the entire state when faced with a public crisis." - "Judge rules Michigan stay-at-home order doesn’t infringe on constitutional rights," April 29, 2020.

  • Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) (US News & World Report): On April 24, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she was extending Michigan’s stay-at-home order through May 15, while allowing some businesses to re-open and some outdoor activities to resume.

    "Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That's good, but we must keep it up. Social distancing is our best weapon to defeat this enemy. … With new COVID-19 cases leveling off, however, we are lifting some of the restrictions put in place in the previous order. I want to be crystal clear: the overarching message today is still the same. We must all do our part by staying home and staying safe as much as possible." - "Michigan Governor Extends Stay-At-Home Order But Eases Several Restrictions," April 24, 2020.

  • Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) (Click On Detroit): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded to protests of the state’s stay-at-home order by arguing that the spread of coronavirus in Michigan was more severe than in other states.

    "Michigan has the third highest number of deaths from COVID-19 and yet we’re the 10th largest state. We have a disproportionate problem in the state of Michigan—and so we can take the same kinds of actions that other states have, but it doesn’t rise to the challenge we’re confronting; and that’s precisely why we have to take a more aggressive stand." - "Michigan Gov. Whitmer defends coronavirus response on Meet the Press," April 19, 2020.

  • Royal Oak City Commissioner Kim Gibbs (R) (The Hill): Royal Oak City Commissioner Kim Gibbs explained why she joined a protest of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) stay-at-home order in Lansing, Michigan.

    "We must still be careful and make plans that protect the safety of everyone in Michigan, but I believe there is a way to slowly reopening parts of our economy safely and with surgical precision without resorting to punitive executive orders that takes a sledgehammer to the entire economy of the state of Michigan." - "Michigan mayor calls on commissioner who joined protest against coronavirus restrictions to resign," April 19, 2020.

  • Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield (R-107) (WLNS): Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield (R-107) urged Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) to amend Michigan’s stay-at-home order so that it followed updated federal guidelines defining essential services.

    "Amend executive order (EO-42) to adopt the most updated federal CISA guidance for essential services. Doing this would permit essential services like construction and construction-related supply chains, additional energy sectors, realtors, certain seasonal lawn care services, forest products, garden materials, as well as health services like optometry and chiropractic care to continue. That change would make a very real difference in the lives of thousands of Michigan families without negatively impacting the public health. Nearly every other state that utilizes this federal guidance has updated to these best practices already, including states that share a border with Michigan. We are an outlier, and families are suffering unnecessarily for it." - "Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield sends letter to Gov. Whitmer urging her to reconsider stay-at-home order," April 18, 2020.

  • Marian Sheridan, co-founder of Michigan Conservative Coalition (The Washington Times): Several conservative groups, including the Michigan Conservative Coalition, the Michigan Freedom Fund, and Michiganders Against Excessive Quarantine, have argued that Michigan’s stay-at-home order constituted a violation of civil liberties and was unjustified given its impact on the economy. Marian Sheridan, co-founder of Michigan Conservative Coalition, explained her opposition to the order.

    "Citizens are frankly tired of being treated like babies. As adults, we now know what needs to be done to stay safe." - "Operation Gridlock: Thousands protest Whitmer's stay-at-home order in Michigan," April 15, 2020.

  • Paul Mitchell (R-10), Fred Upton (R-6), Tim Walberg (R-7), Bill Huizenga (R-2), John Moolenaar (R-4), and Jack Bergman (R-1) (Office of Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-2)): In a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, several Republican congressmen argued that the state could safely ease its stay-at-home order by following guidelines from the CDC.

    "We believe there is a better approach. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–in fulfilling its defined federal constitutional duties–has issued clear guidance to mitigate the transmission of the virus, guidance that was developed by health experts. By following this guidance businesses can ensure people remain six feet apart, properly sanitize, set up sneeze guards and protective barriers, promote proper handwashing and cleaning techniques for their employees, while also protecting customers with similar guidelines." - "Letter to Governor Whitmer," April 13, 2020.

  • Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) (WSJM): Governor Gretchen Whitmer said that four factors should guide Michigan’s plan to lift the stay-at-home order.

    "A sustained reduction in infection rate; enhanced ability to test and trace COVID-19; sufficient healthcare capacity to handle resurgence; and best practices in the workplace. We can’t afford a second wave, and so it’s going to be incredibly important that we do this right." - "Whitmer Lays Out Criteria For Reopening Economy," April 13, 2020.

  • Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-16) (Bridge): Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-16) explained why he did not support extending Michigan’s emergency declaration through the beginning of June.

    "The circumstances surrounding the outbreak of this virus in Michigan change rapidly and often. … The conditions we are experiencing today will likely be different than those we encounter next week, next month, or in 70 days. As such, we feel a much shorter extension is logical to help protect our citizens and support our health systems." - "Michigan Gov. Whitmer asks Legislature to extend emergency powers 70 days," April 1, 2020.

  • Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband (Detroit Free Press): "The Constitution permits appropriate state and local government restrictions to protect the health and safety of Americans, but it does not permit arbitrary limits that limit the right of all people in our country to be treated equally and fairly by the government." - "US Justice Department intervenes in lawsuit opposing Whitmer's coronavirus orders," May 30, 2020.

    • Additional reading

  • "Michigan court upholds Whitmer's power to extend stay-at-home order" - CBS News, May 22, 2020


Debate over reopening plans in Michigan

See also: Debate over reopening plans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on reopening plans in Michigan.

  • Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO (Detroit News): Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, argued that state and federal policies and programs rolled out in response to Covid-19 are needed beyond the end of the pandemic.

    "Leaders at all levels should be doing everything they can to protect those workers who keep us safe and healthy." - "Keep workers safe, healthy and on-the-job," June 9, 2020.

  • Jeff Wiggins, director of Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (Global Construction Review): Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan filed a lawsuit against the state concerning the constitutionality of coronavirus-related safety regulations.

    "(We) deserve safety and certainty from state government as they return to their jobsites. They also deserve to have a voice in the rules process. Instead, they are threatened by the arbitrary, unclear and unconstitutional enforcement methods set to be dispatched throughout the state to intimidate good, honest workers" - "Michigan trade body files lawsuit over “unconstitutional” coronavirus measures," June 2, 2020.

  • Detroit News Editorial Board (Detroit News): "Wear a mask — it may not be a fail-safe barrier to infection, but it certainly helps. Keep up with hand washing. Don't shake hands. Social distance. These precautions are inconvenient but far better than having our freedom stripped away in the name of fighting the virus. America can’t afford to shut down again. Nor can it endure a major escalation of the pandemic." - "Don't panic over virus increase," June 24, 2020.


Debate over school closures in Michigan

See also: Debate over school closures during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on school closures in Michigan.


Debate over religious service restrictions in Michigan

See also: Debate over religious service restrictions during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on religious service restrictions in Michigan.

We have not yet identified any statements related to this topic or state. To suggest a statement, email us.


Debate over election policy in Michigan

See also: Debate over election policies and procedures during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on election policies in Michigan.

  • Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) (Click On Detroit): Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson explained why she supported the expansion of voting by mail for Michigan’s general election.

    "Voters like voting by mail because it is easy, private, and can be done on their own timing and while researching issues and candidates at home. … It also eliminates the possibility of coronavirus transmission for the voter and, with simple precautions like gloves and social distancing, the election workers as well. Finally, voting by mail is absolutely secure, as the signature matching requirement is a built-in security check." - "Michigan election workers needed during coronavirus crisis," April 6, 2020.

  • State Senator Ruth Johnson (D-14) (MI Senate GOP Press Office): State Senator Ruth Johnson (D-14) argued that Michigan’s May elections should be postponed until August.

    "Election workers handling the ballots from thousands of voters presents unique risks as studies have shown the virus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. … This virus is highly contagious, and continuing with a May 5 election puts election workers, canvassers and the public at extreme risk." - "Johnson urges governor to move May election to August," March 30, 2020.

  • Pam Smith, Clerk of Farmington Hills, Michigan (Hometown Life): Pam Smith, Clerk of Farmington Hills, Michigan, argued that local elections boards would struggle to process a large increase in absentee ballots without a change in elections law. She said that she supported a law that would allow clerks to tally absentee ballots before Election Day. - "Clerks expect Michigan elections to move slowly as absentee ballot numbers rise," April 6, 2020.

  • Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, and Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk (Lansing State Journal): "We cannot afford the long lines and crowding we saw in March at clerks’ offices in college towns and large cities across Michigan." - "Voting by mail is necessary to safely allow for increased voter turnout," June 6, 2020.


Responses to the coronavirus in Michigan

See also: Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Michigan)


Click the links below for more on responses to the coronavirus pandemic in Michigan.

General resources

The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.


See also

Footnotes

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Political responses to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020-2021
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