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Rep. Albert: Governor’s ‘stay home’ order goes too far
RELEASE|March 23, 2020

State Rep. Thomas Albert of Lowell today said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ‘stay home’ order goes too far and needlessly threatens to derail Michigan’s economy while raising serious constitutional concerns. Albert’s statement:


“The governor’s order is an overreaction,” Albert said. “While I acknowledge we are largely in uncharted territory, the governor’s continued use of executive orders raises constitutional questions. Can the governor point to the executive authority allowing the suspension of constitutional rights in a time of emergency? This can and must be part of the public discussion when balancing our state’s public health needs with constitutional rights and economic needs of Michigan residents and their families.


“This response, while likely effective at slowing the spread of coronavirus, is monumentally disruptive to Michigan families and threatening to destroy their livelihoods,” Albert said. “Already, Michigan residents are flooding the state with new unemployment claims – and that was before this ‘stay at home’ order was issued. The governor’s latest order will cause the jobless rate to soar, and only make things worse for Michigan workers trying to provide for their families.


“I fully agree people should take precautions such as social distancing and working from home when possible during these unprecedented times. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions, in particular, should voluntarily be taking steps to isolate and protect themselves. But that can be done without placing the entire state of Michigan in a virtual lockdown, as the governor has ordered.


“Rather than worsening this government-mandated economic depression-in-the-making, we should be looking for ways to keep as much of the economy open for business as possible. This includes proactive measures to allow the reopening of businesses and schools once the governor’s original executive orders expire.”

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