Wendzel, LaSata Oppose Governor’s Request To Extend Emergency Declaration For 70 Days

State Senator Kim LaSata and state Representative Pauline Wendzel both say they are “no” votes on a concurrent resolution to extend the current state of emergency and state of disaster by 70 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two Republicans say in statements they agree that an extension is going to be needed, but both object to the length of time being requested by Governor Whitmer. The governor on Thursday called out legislative leaders for what she feels is an unsafe idea for voting on the resolution on April 7.

“The Legislature’s insistence on coming in next week is something I implored them not to do,” said Whitmer. “We’ve already lost a member of the Legislature to COVID-19.”

Whitmer says action that quickly is not needed, and she’s worried about lawmakers being in tight quarters in the House and Senate chambers. Representative Isaac Robinson died over the weekend of what his family believes was coronavirus, and an intern for Republican state Senator Pete Lucido also died this week from the virus. Representative Tyrone Carter of Detroit tested positive for it earlier this month, but is recovering.

LaSata says we are in “extraordinary times” that have called for “extraordinary efforts to protect the health and safety” of Michiganders, but adds the situation is evolving quickly. She says while she agrees the emergency still exists and the extension “may be necessary,” 70 days is too long.

Wendzel posted on Facebook “I’m prepared to extend the emergency declaration to give the governor the tools she needs to combat this virus, but not for 70 days.” Wendzel also clarified in the same post that what Governor Whitmer is seeking is not an extension of the Stay Home, Stay Safe order for 70 days. That is currently set to expire in mid-April.