Michigan Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer rebuked Republicans from the state chamber on Thursday after lawmakers threatened to withhold billions in school funds because of arguments over how she handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a news conference, Whitmer said the actions of Republican Party members were “cruel and reckless”, noting that lives remain at stake.
The numbers in the state recently dropped and officials reported the lowest number of new cases in more than three months on Tuesday.
DEM GOVS WHITMER, MURPHY FLOUT PROVIDES CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS FOR THE INAUGURATION OF BIDEN
On Thursday, the state Department of Health registered 1,872 new cases and 80 deaths. There have been almost 14,500 deaths since March.
“The executive needs to be agile and fast when there are lives at stake,” she said.
In addition, Whitmer also addressed criticism largely about how she dealt with personal education and sports.
She said that while the metrics are important in the state’s response to the spread of the virus, specific numbers are “problematic” and the context is also important.
Whitmer noted that while other states have set standards before, “each state that did this had to change that along the way.”
“That is why we have been reticent,” she said.
From Monday, February 1, restaurants can resume indoor meals at 25% capacity, with a curfew at 10 pm. The request will be effective until Sunday, February 21.
Whitmer’s comments came in the wake of her third State of the State address, during which she called for unity for a mixed reaction.
“It is easy to look back over the past year and focus on what is bad. But we must not forget the action we have taken to protect ourselves and our families,” she said. “For those of you who came forward and did your part, who listened to specialist doctors, stayed at home, wore a mask, helped a neighbor and practiced social detachment – their action saved lives. Their action ensured that more michiganders could pass the Thanksgiving Day and Christmas 2021 with your loved ones. “
Speaking directly to the state’s legislative leaders in his speech, Whitmer said the job now is “to fix the damn road ahead – together”.
“We will commit to the strong bipartisan action we took last year and focus on that same energy to end the pandemic, make our economy grow and put our children back on track,” she asked. “The people of Michigan are counting on us.”
Although Democrats like state deputy Darrin Camilleri thanked Whitmer for his direction and guidance during the crisis, Republicans were not so convinced.
Just hours before the speech, Senate Republicans rejected 13 of their nominations for various councils and committees and House Republicans said they would maintain a significant portion of a multi-billion dollar aid package, unless Whitmer agreed to a law that would deprive it and the Michigan Department of Health for emergency health powers.
Whitmer proposed a $ 5.6 billion recovery plan last week, and Republicans responded with $ 3.5 billion. While both plans prioritize the reopening of schools, Whitmer is supporting a March 1 return date and House Republicans hope to offer public schools $ 250 per student if they commit to the reopening on February 15.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wears a mask with the word “vote” displayed on the front during a roundtable on health, Wednesday, October 7, 2020, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Nicole Hester / Ann Arbor News via AP ) /
((Nicole Hester / Ann Arbor News via AP) /)
In a statement released before Whitmer’s speech, Mayor Jason Wentworth and Senate majority leader Mike Shirkey said putting Michigan back on the job is long overdue. ”
“The people we represent did not consent to Governor Whitmer’s continued closings. The people of Michigan want and deserve answers,” they said.
Senator Jon Bumstead, Congressman Greg VanWoerkom and Senator Rick Outman told FOX 17 that Whitmer’s actions would speak louder than his calls to work together – although VanWoerkom asked a partner in the governor’s office to do “things for Michigan families. “
“Some Michigan school districts have not had face-to-face classes since March – this is hurting children in ways that we can’t even imagine, and not just academically,” said Michigan House Appropriations Committee chairman Thomas Albert in a statement on Wednesday -market. “The interruption of sports and other extracurricular activities also has a big impact.”
He also noted that Whitmer’s budget request is “wrong by a wide margin”.
Senate Democratic minority leader Jim Ananich replied that if Republicans really wanted to help, they could offer solutions instead of raising questions.
“It is not our job to play petty games just to make the governor more flexible, especially while she is trying to get us through the end of a deadly pandemic with little or no help from you,” he said.
On Thursday, Whitmer said his government invited Republicans to data modeling meetings, but they often did not attend.
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Allegedly seeking “common ground” with the legislature, Whitmer told reporters that he did not respond to the Republicans’ actions on Wednesday because he wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices of Michiganders and the residents lost to the pandemic.
“I’m not going to sink into having that argument that apparently some members of the legislature want to have,” she said.
Fox News contacted Whitmer’s office for comment, but received no response.