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GOP-backed bills sent to Whitmer in newest COVID showdown

Michigan Capitol by MittenStatePhototog is licensed with CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

The Republican-led Legislature voted Wednesday to send Governor Gretchen Whitmer a new round of COVID-19 response bills that are very similar to versions she’s already vetoed.

This is the latest episode in the ongoing the back-and-forth between Republicans and the Democratic governor over her use of emergency powers – and her ability to use them again the future.

Republicans say the governor’s abused her authority and slowed the recovery from COVID, while Democrats such as Senator Curtis Hertel say the GOP majorities have turned the crisis into a partisan fight.       

“For god’s sake, basic, decent common sense is better than this.”

The next step is for the bills to go to Whitmer’s desk, and she will again have to decide whether to sign or veto.