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Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday rebuked Republicans across the state after lawmakers threatened to withhold billions of dollars in school funding over arguments regarding her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a press conference, Whitmer said the actions of GOP members were “cruel and reckless,” noting that lives continue to be on the line.
Numbers in the state recently fell and officials reported the fewest new cases on Tuesday in more than three months.
DEM GOVS WHITMER, MURPHY FLOUT CLEAN OF CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS FOR BIDEN INAUGURATION
On Thursday, the state’s health ministry reported 1,872 new cases and 80 deaths. There have been nearly 14,500 deaths since March.
“The executive must be nimble and quick when lives are on the line,” she said.
Additionally, Whitmer has also addressed criticism largely regarding his handling of in-person education and sports.
She said that while parameters matter in the state’s response to the spread of the virus, specific numbers are “problematic” and context is important as well.
Whitmer noted that while other states had set standards before, “every state that did that had to change that along the way.”
“That’s why we were reluctant,” she says.
As of Monday, February 1, restaurants can resume indoor dining at 25% capacity with a 10 p.m. curfew. The order will be in effect until Sunday February 21.
Whitmer’s remarks follow her third State of the State address, in which she called for unity in the face of a mixed reaction.
“It’s easy to look back on this last year and focus on the bad. But we can’t forget the steps we have taken to protect ourselves and our families,” she said. “To those of you who stood up and did your part, who listened to medical experts, stayed at home, wore a mask, helped a neighbor and practiced social distancing – your action has save lives. Your action has enabled more Michiganders to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas 2021 with their loved ones. “
Speak directly to In his remarks, state legislative leaders Whitmer said the job now is to “fix the damn road ahead – together.”
“Let’s commit to the strong bipartisan action we took last year and focus that same energy to end the pandemic, grow our economy and get our children back on track,” she urged. “The people of Michigan are counting on us.”
While Democrats like State Representative Darrin Camilleri thanked Whitmer for his leadership and advice during the crisis, Republicans were not so convinced.
Just hours before the speech, Senate Republicans rejected 13 of his appointments to various boards and committees and House Republicans said they would retain a significant portion of a multibillion-dollar aid package unless Whitmer agrees to a law that would strip her and the Michigan Department of Health of emergency health powers.
Whitmer proposed a $ 5.6 billion recovery plan last week, and Republicans responded with $ 3.5 billion. While both plans prioritize reopening schools, Whitmer is backing a March 1 return date and House Republicans hope to offer public schools $ 250 per student if they commit to a February 15 reopening. .
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wears a mask with the word ‘vote’ displayed on the front during a healthcare roundtable on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, in Kalamazoo, Mich. (Nicole Hester / Ann Arbor News via AP) /
((Nicole Hester / Ann Arbor News via AP) /)
In a statement released ahead of Whitmer’s speech, House Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said getting Michigan back to work was long overdue. ”
“The people we represent have not consented to Governor Whitmer’s continued shutdowns. The people of Michigan want and deserve answers,” they said.
Senator Jon Bumstead, Rep. Greg VanWoerkom and Senator Rick Outman all told FOX 17 that Whitmer’s actions would speak louder than his calls to work together – although VanWoerkom asked for a partner in the governor’s office to do ” things “for Michigan families.”
“Some Michigan school districts haven’t had in-person classes since March – it’s harming kids in ways we can’t even imagine, and not just academically,” the president said. Michigan House credit committee Thomas Albert in a Wednesday statement. “The disruption of sports and other extracurricular activities is also taking its toll.”
He also noted that Whitmer’s budget request is “irrelevant by a wide margin”.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Jim Ananich countered that if Republicans really wanted to help, they could come up with solutions instead of raising issues.
“It’s not our job to play little games just to bow to the governor, especially as she tries to help us get through the tail of a deadly pandemic with little to no help from you.” , did he declare.
Whitmer said Thursday that his administration had invited Republicans to data modeling meetings, but that these were often “no-shows.”
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Seeking “middle ground” with the legislature, Whitmer told reporters she did not respond to Republicans’ actions on Wednesday because she wanted to recognize the sacrifices of the Michiganders and residents lost to the pandemic.
“I’m not going to fall for that argument that some members of the Legislature apparently want,” she said.
Fox News has contacted Whitmer’s office for comment, but has not received a response.
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