Great Lakes Wire

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing pushback over her decision to suspend portions of the state's Open Meetings Act (OMA) in order to permit public groups to meet electronically through April 15, according to The Center Square.

Whitmer made the move by executive order, raising concerns from Republicans in the Michigan Legislature.

State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) responded to Whitmer's action with a public statement, which can be viewed on MiSenateGOP.

"We believe this order may limit the public’s ability to participate in the democratic process," Shirkey said in the statement. "We call upon our governor to provide greater guidance to ensure elected bodies do not hinder public input by choosing to conduct business via technology that may be inaccessible for some citizens."

Shirkey noted that many of Michigan's older residents, who are at greatest risk during the COVID-19 crisis, are also those least likely to have ready access to meetings held electronically.

"In a time of crisis, citizens should have more access to their elected officials, not less," he said.

“We are taking every measure we can to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and protect Michigan families but recognize that public bodies still have an obligation to conduct business as usual,” Whitmer said in a news release reported by The Center Square. “During this crisis, we must ensure that public officials can do their job to meet the needs of residents, while also ensuring that meetings remain open, accessible and transparent to the public.”

Public bodies affected by the OMA and now able to conduct business in electronic meetings include boards, commissions, committees and subcommittees.

The executive order does not require the meetings be broadcast, such as through a website. However, if the meeting is held by means such as a telephone conference call, public participants must be welcomed.

Public bodies must also publish information on how to join the meeting -- whether by calling a phone number or joining a video conference -- and allow for members of the public to be heard during the meeting, as well as providing an opportunity for public comment.