Monroe Review

In a recent update to his constituents, state Rep. Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance) said that he is hard at work ensuring that the people of Michigan are heard during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to the Michigan House Republicans website, Sheppard said that the Legislature is trying to give all the people of Michigan a voice by “seeking intervention from the Court of Claims.”

The Republican Legislature filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after she allegedly failed to follow the appropriate checks and balances of her emergency powers. 

“The way our state responds to this crisis affects the fundamental rights of every single Michigan resident,” Sheppard told Michigan House Republicans. “That’s why it is incredibly important that the voices of people in every corner of our state are given careful consideration as we move forward. This can only be accomplished by utilizing the legislative process and its inherent safeguards.”

While Sheppard said he wishes that the lawsuit was not necessary, it is the best option available given the fact that the residents of the state are in need of fair representation as Michigan moves towards reopening. 

Though Sheppard does not believe that the crisis is over, he does believe that it is time to begin moving toward a reopening of the state’s economy, allowing the people to get back to work. 

“We’re simply saying it’s time to return to our normal legislative process,” Sheppard said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “The Legislature serves as a direct link to the people of Michigan -- and the people must have representation when decisions are being made that affect their physical and economic well-being. Requiring the governor to work with the Legislature to determine what is best for our state is good government, plain and simple. That’s why our constitution has checks and balances.”

At the end of the day, the goal of the lawsuit is to help the state of Michigan restore its representative democracy, Sheppard told Michigan House Republicans.