Politicians, the coalition of public health officials, doctors and nurses working to oppose the
Unlock Michigan 2.0 ballot proposal that would limit the ability of public health agencies to
respond to public health emergencies in the state.

The League, a nonpartisan political organization, is committed to increasing understanding of
major public policy issues, working to influence public policy through education and advocacy.
Among the tenets of its Social Policy position is the League’s support of quality health care that
is affordable and available for all Michigan residents.

The Unlock Michigan 2.0 effort would make legislators or county officials responsible for public
health directives after 28 days instead of public health experts. The League noted that the
Unlock Michigan group is the same that successfully repealed the 1945 Emergency Powers of
the Governor Act by gathering enough petition signatures and enough votes in the Legislature
to enact a new law that could not be vetoed by the governor or voted on by the people.

“We don’t want this to happen again,” said Christina Schlitt, co-president for the League. “We
urge all Michigan voters to learn about the far-reaching consequences of the Unlock Michigan
2.0 petition, talk to others about this important issue so that everyone declines to sign. Public
health decisions should be made by those with the proper education and training.”

“Part of the League’s mission is to educate voters and with more than a dozen initiatives
pending, it’s more important than ever that voters know what’s really at stake with this Unlock
Michigan 2.0 proposal,” said Paula Bowman, co-president for the League. “Unlock Michigan 2.0
threatens the health and safety of Michigan residents, which is why voters should decline to
sign this ballot petition.”
Public Health Over Politicians is made up of public health officials, doctors and nurses who
believe the health of all Michiganders should come before partisan and political games. The
group has been endorsed by a growing list of organizations, including: the Michigan Nurses
Association, Michigan Association of Local Public Health, Michigan Osteopathic Association,
Michigan Association of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physicians and the Michigan
Parent Alliance for Safe Schools.

“We’re thrilled the League of Women Voters of Michigan has joined Public Health Over
Politicians,” said Janet Olszewski, former director for the Michigan Department of Community
Health and a member of Public Health Over Politicians. “Unlock Michigan 2.0 is a reckless
proposition that should be rejected by Michigan voters. Undoing the public health code that’s
guided our state for more than 100 years will influence the health and safety of Michiganders
when it comes to Legionnaires’ disease, hepatitis or any other public health emergencies our
state has and will face in the future.”

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