LANSING, Mich. — Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Lauwers on Wednesday issued the following statement after the Michigan Senate voted to reject Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent appointments to several state boards and commissions:
“As the senator elected to represent the residents of the 25th District, it is my desire to work with the governor to enact policies that foster the common good for the district and the entire state.
“Unfortunately, over the past year, Gov. Whitmer has chosen time and time again to thumb her nose at the Legislature by making unilateral decisions in response to the pandemic that have done great damage to our health and the economy and cost hundreds of thousands of residents their livelihoods.
“Instead of working with the Legislature, the governor has used unelected bureaucrats like those on the State Administrative Board or her health director to implement policy.
“I am unable to speak and vote on behalf of my constituents when the governor continues to ignore the Legislature —a co-equal branch of government.
“Until the governor understands that compromise, while at times difficult, is a necessary part of executive leadership, the Legislature will use every tool at our disposal to fight back against her unilateral governance, including rejection of unelected bureaucrats when necessary.”