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Gov. Whitmer's virus-related powers reach top Michigan court

DETROIT, MI (AP)--   Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s use of emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic has reached the Michigan Supreme Court. 

Justices heard hours of arguments Wednesday about whether Whitmer has illegally made far-reaching decisions without input from the Legislature. Whitmer, a Democrat, has repeatedly ordered virus-related restrictions under a 1945 law that grants power to declare emergencies when public safety is at risk.

But Whitmer’s critics, especially Republicans, instead point to a 1976 law that says lawmakers get a say in emergency declarations after 28 days.

Whitmer has imposed and eased restrictions on Michigan’s economy, the K-12 school system and health care, all in a desire to reduce the risk of the highly contagious virus.

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