Battle Creek Times

Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall) is leading a new oversight committee that will evaluate Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 executive orders, the Michigan House GOP website said in late April. 

Whitmer has faced criticisms for her executive orders enacted during the COVID-19 public health crisis from mostly state and national Republicans, including President Trump. 

The House and Senate oversight committee comes in response to Whitmer's COVID-19 orders and will extend to past, current and future executive orders related to the coronavirus the Democratic governor issues, according to the GOP House website release. The new committee will also review issues that have arisen during her executive orders.

The bipartisan committee on the coronavirus pandemic is comprised of legislators with both Republicans and Democrats, according to the House GOP website. The committee is being assembled to better protect citizens. The committee will work to maintain crucial principles in the structure of the state government and apply checks and balances involving the governor's orders. 

Hall, who also chairs a general committee devoted to the oversight in the Michigan House, said that an intervention is crucial, according to the House GOP release. He added that checks and balances are needed at this time.

“Legislative oversight is an important part in the separation of powers within government,” Hall said in the GOP release. “It’s important to examine how the executive branch is functioning and ensure it’s working as effectively and efficiently as possible for the people it represents. I look forward to partnering with our colleagues in the Senate and digging into decisions that were made during this public health emergency – and ones that will continue to be made in the coming weeks.”

Recently, Whitmer issued several orders as the coronavirus has spread throughout Michigan. Some of her executive orders have drawn much criticism. 

Hall said the committee will diligently examine these decisions and offer better practices for future instances.

“It’s important to hold state government accountable. We’re charged with looking into the questions and concerns we’ve heard from the people we represent on the administration’s decision-making and preparedness,” Hall said in the GOP statement. “This practice is no different than the type of general oversight work we do year-round in Lansing. We’ve done so in a bipartisan, collaborative fashion and I expect that to continue through this select committee.”