Last month, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Whitmer’s continued state of emergency violated state law and the separation of powers prescribed by the Michigan Constitution.

The high court ruled unanimously that the governor lacked authority under the Emergency Management Act of 1976 to continue a state of emergency or disaster beyond April 30. A majority of justices also held that the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945, which allows an indefinite state of emergency without legislative approval, is unconstitutional because it infringes on the stipulation that the lawmaking power be vested in the Legislature, not the governor.

This Supreme Court decision affirmed a core tenet of the Michigan Constitution: Our state is governed by laws, duly enacted by the people’s representatives in the Legislature. The legislative power is vested in a body of lawmakers for a reason. Each senator and representative brings to the table their own perspective and the unique needs of their respective constituents. In this way, the diverse viewpoints and interests of the people of our state are fully considered.

Our high court unequivocally upheld our system of constitutional governance in its decision. The judiciary has preserved the important separation of legislative and executive powers, reiterating a principle that countless Michiganders have been emphasizing for months. This ruling properly leaves to the Legislature, in cooperation with the governor, the responsibility of addressing the challenges facing our state.

Most importantly, it is up to the people of Michigan to follow best practices to keep our state safe and healthy, and I encourage everyone to continue taking precautions to keep yourselves and others safe by following health recommendations. I believe residents can be trusted to make responsible decisions to keep our communities healthy.

Our teachers and support staff have gone above and beyond this year to ensure Michigan students get the education they deserve while we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why I supported the Teacher and Support Staff COVID-19 grant programs to support our school employees as they continue to navigate teaching during these challenging times.

Under the programs, eligible Michigan teachers who worked additional time and incurred additional costs during the 2019-2020 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic can receive a grant of up to $500 and staff can receive up to $250.

The Teacher COVID-19 Grant Program recognizes the additional time and additional costs classroom teachers in a school district or nonprofit nonpublic school spent to ensure learning continued when in-person instruction was suspended in the spring.

The Support Staff COVID-19 Grant Program recognizes the additional time eligible K-12 support staff spent outside of normal working hours, hazardous conditions encountered and additional costs incurred to provide services to students when in-person instruction was suspended in the spring.

Grant funding checks are anticipated to be sent directly from the state Department of Treasury to teachers and support staff in February 2021. For more information about the grant programs, visit www.michigan.gov/TSSC19Grants.

U.S. health officials are urging Americans to get their flu shot this year in the hopes of preventing a winter “twindemic” – a situation in which both influenza and COVID-19 spread and sicken the public. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions.

Flu shots are quick, easy and offered free at many pharmacies, with or without insurance. Additionally, due to COVID-19 concerns, several places are offering drive-through flu shots this year.

To find a provider closest to you, visit the CDC’s Flu Vaccine Finder website and type in your ZIP code, or call your primary health care provider to set up an appointment. For more information on how to protect yourself this flu season, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

Consumers Energy is recruiting military veterans with experience working with electricity to join its new Basic Electric Lineworker Apprentice program — earning up to $35 per hour following 10 days of free training.

Military veterans with documented electrical experience are encouraged to get more information and register for the Electric Lines Boot Camp at www.ElectricLinesBootCamp.com.

Below is a list of resources available to you if you need any type of assistance. Additionally, you can contact my office at any time for more information.

The 33rd state Senate District includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm Counties.

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