On Monday, Michigan’s overreaching governor, Gretchen Whitmer, revealed her plan for a 28-day extension of her emergency declaration, which currently expires on May 15th.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her emergency powers do not require a vote of the Legislature. However, she is still asking for that body to approve a 28-day extension of her emergency declaration.
As of Tuesday night, there was no consensus, but the Republican leadership and the governor said talks are ongoing.
Today, it was announced that an additional 81,000 people filed initial claims for unemployment in Michigan last week, bringing the six-week total to more than 1.2 million amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Many frustrated Michigan workers who applied for unemployment benefits several weeks ago have not yet received a single check. Non-essential workers in Michigan have been out of work since the end of February. Many of them will not have a job when Democrat Governor Whitmer finally lifts the lockdown restrictions on Michigan citizens, as an untold number of businesses will not survive the extended shutdown.
Yesterday, a stunning video taken by Michigan United for Liberty member, Audra Johnson of a fellow activist, Wendy Darling being dragged from her seat by two male House sergeants wearing red jackets, from the public viewing gallery above the legislative chambers went viral. Below the physical scuffle in the public House chamber, Michigan Senate members were caucusing below.
Here is one view of the video showing protester Wendy Darling being dragged from the public gallery after she allegedly shared a copy of her press pass with the House sergeants. More videos are available at this link.
Protestors forcefully removed from House gallery, which is closed to public today to allow for space to be given to members and press. pic.twitter.com/3ZVsa13oik
— MIRSnews.com (@MIRSnews) April 29, 2020
This morning, hundreds of protesters showed up again, this time, on the steps of the Capitol.
https://twitter.com/tocamelaotravez/status/1255874861311942656?s=20
Patriotic protesters join together to sing the National Anthem outside of the MI Capitol building, where legislators are inside mulling Whtimer’s 28-day extension.
National Anthem outside the MI Capitol pic.twitter.com/4X9y5uzEcq
— Anna Liz Nichols (@annaliznichols) April 30, 2020
A steady stream of vehicles are also outside driving around the Capitol to show their support for the protest against the lockdown:
Steady train of vehicles have been rolling around the Michigan Capitol honking loudly and waving American flags for 3 hours 🇺🇸
The legislature in metting today to decide how long the lockdown will continue.
They want to be heard. pic.twitter.com/Qvt1DzMSIE— Benny (@bennyjohnson) April 30, 2020
Speakers appeared on the steps of the Capitol building, while protesters gather around.
Speakers have wrapped up and now people are gathering on the steps of the Capitol. Others are just standing around talking and taking pictures. pic.twitter.com/AaJsoBLuXT
— Matt Durr (@mdurr84) April 30, 2020
It’s now being reported that Michigan residents have entered the Capitol building in Lansing, MI where they’re chanting, “Let us in!” to lawmakers who are inside discussing Governor Whitmer’s request for a 28-day extension of her emergency declaration.
WATCH:
The protestors are inside the Capitol and demanding to get let inside the House chambers, chanting “let us in.” #mileg pic.twitter.com/YIyLeGBZje
— Mikenzie Frost (@MikenzieFrost) April 30, 2020
Here’s a close-up shot of the protesters inside the Capitol building:
Inside the Michigan Capitol right now. pic.twitter.com/wuo8AXRUM4
— Leon Hendrix (@LeonHendrix) April 30, 2020
Here’s another shot of the protesters demanding that their lawmakers hear their voices and end the shutdown:
“THIS IS THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE-YOU CANNOT LOCK US OUT!”
MediaBLACKOUT as Patriot Protesters storm the #Michigan capitol 2demand @GovWhitmer end her tyrannical& arbitrary #StayAtHome restrictions that have cost 1.5million Michiganders their jobs#ReopenAmericapic.twitter.com/NmDFMntQqu— DrConservaMom🇺🇸🐸🌐 (@ConservaMomUSA) April 30, 2020
What do you think? Should these protesters have moved inside the Capitol building? Do they have just as much right to be inside the Capitol building as our lawmakers? Tell us what you think about the Michigan protesters in the comment section below.