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A small of protesters gather outside the Statehouse to back a measure that would immediately cancel the governor's public health emergency declaration.
Brandon Smith/IPB NewsA group of about 20 protesters rallied outside the Statehouse Tuesday against Gov. Eric Holcomb’s public health emergency orders.
The protesters are backing a resolution in the House that would immediately terminate Holcomb’s emergency declaration, in place since March.
State law gives the governor broad powers under a declared state of emergency. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Holcomb has used that authority to, for instance, issue the “Stay-At-Home” order, temporarily close or limit businesses and impose gathering restrictions.
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Protesters – led by former Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Donald Rainwater – want to see that power curtailed. They’re backing a resolution by far-right Rep. Curt Nisly (R-Milford) that would immediately cancel Holcomb’s order. Rainwater said the issue is not about supporting Holcomb’s emergency declaration, but giving the General Assembly a say in it.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) sent Nisly’s resolution to the Rules Committee, where legislation is often sent to die.
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
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