State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, today issued the following statement after the Michigan House approved the Unlock Michigan citizens’ initiative. The action repeals the unconstitutional law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used to make wide-ranging, unilateral executive orders in response to COVID-19:

“This is an important day in the history of the state. People across Michigan came together utilizing a constitutional approach and told state government their voices were not being heard as one person ruled alone. I’m pleased to support this measure and repeal an emergency powers law that had an impact on so many people during our state’s response to COVID-19.

“Legislators know their communities best. They talk with people and their families in neighborhoods or at the corner diner – formulating solutions based on questions and concerns they hear or experiences people have. When Gov. Whitmer worked around the Legislature to craft directives, that process was taken away. The people lost as a result.

“But they won today. And it’s a win going forward for Michigan as the balance of state government will be preserved.”