(WXYZ) — A Michigan Republican member of the state House of Representatives is calling for the legislative body to hold impeachment hearings for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Related: Whitmer announces '3-week pause' to include ending in-person dining, closing movie theatres & more
Matt Maddock, who represents several cities in western Oakland County, said he and several other legislators are calling "for impeachment hearings for Governor Whitmer."
Related: State leaders, other groups react to 3-week pause in Michigan over rising COVID-19 cases
In a Facebook post, Maddock listed several reasons he thinks Whitmer should be impeached.
It comes after Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon announced new COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday night.
Under the Michigan Constitution, the state House of Representatives does have the power to impeach "civil officers for corrupt conduct in office or for crimes or misdemeanors."
Whitmer's press secretary, Tiffany Brown, released this statement to 7 Action News.
“Governor Whitmer doesn't have any time for partisan politics or people who don't wear masks, don't believe in science, and don't have a plan to fight this virus. Right now, she is focused on saving lives. The governor will continue to work hard for all 10 million Michiganders. This is about Michigan vs. COVID-19. Governor Whitmer doesn't care if you're a Trump Republican or a Biden Democrat. We are all in this together.”
Whitmer responded to the calls and criticism on 7 Action News This Morning.
If impeached, the State Senate will then hold a trial.
In a press conference, Whitmer and state health officials announced a "Three-Week Pause" aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus.
During these three weeks, which are between Nov. 18 and Dec. 8, the state will mandate that these operations be closed:
- in-person learning at high schools, colleges and universities
- theaters, stadiums and arenas
- All who are able to work from home will be required to do just that
- dine-in restaurants and bars
- organized sports, except professional sports
- bowling centers, ice skating, indoor water parks
- bingo halls, casinos, arcades
- group fitness classes
Related: MHSAA suspends fall sports tournaments, winter sports amid 3-week pause
There will be several areas that will remain open, according to the state. Those include:
- Hair salons, barber shops & other personal services
- Gyms and pools for individual exercise
- Retail stores
- Indoor gatherings limited to two households & 10 people
- Small outdoor gatherings limited to 25 people
- Preschool through 8th grade
- Childcare
- Public transit
- Manufacturing, construction, other work impossible to do remotely.
