Holland Reporter

State Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Park Township) issued a statement about the lawsuit that the Republican Legislature has filed against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

According to Michigan House Republicans, Lilly said that he has been saddened by the fact that so many Michigan residents are struggling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I’m also concerned for the more than 1 million Michigan residents who have lost their jobs and the small business owners who are uncertain if their life’s work will survive this crisis,” Lily said, as reported by Michigan House Republicans.

Lilly also commented on the need for the governor and the Legislature to work together to reopen the economy, lamenting the fact that the lawsuit had to be brought in order to start a discussion about the topic. 

“The one-size-fits-all approach that the governor has taken has upended the lives and livelihoods of people across the state without giving them any recourse or voice in the process,” Lilly said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “The Legislature’s role as elected representatives of the people adds transparency and ensures that the voices of people all throughout our state are considered.”

Lilly said that the lawsuit is both unfortunate and necessary at this time, and assured the people of Michigan that their representatives were doing all in their power to ensure that their rights were being pursued. 

The coronavirus pandemic is not over. However, by filing the lawsuit, the representatives are telling the governor that it is time to work towards a balanced approach to getting the state back on track. 

“Over the last two months, the Legislature has seen the introduction of over 50 pieces of legislation related to COVID-19,” Lilly told Michigan House Republicans. “We have also approved a plan that will allow for a smooth transition from the governor’s temporary management of the early stages of the crisis to a traditional partnership of shared governance between the legislative and executive branches of government.”