LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – During the first session of the new Michigan House of Representatives’ second week in office, the Right-To-Work laws were not discussed despite occupying a high priority for Democrat lawmakers. 

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The session lasted nearly two hours with no floor debate or voting on recent legislation, but lawmakers from the Republican and Democrat parties continue to weigh in ahead of floor debate.  

One of the original sponsors for the HB 4003 that with some alterations became the Right-To-Work law many have strong feelings about, Senator Aric Nesbitt (R) Porter Township offered his stance today. 

“The record of “Right to Work” has been clear in the state of Michigan, and is why I continue to support it. This policy has helped our state recover from the “lost decade” and made Michigan more competitive in attracting new industries and good-paying jobs,” Senator Nesbitt said. “Now, more than ever, Michigan needs to attract more investment that will help grow and strengthen our communities.

He also said that the freedom to join a union, or not join a union, is imperative for all Michigan workers.  If the law is repealed, Senator Nesbitt also believes it would negatively impact Michigan families and workers.  

“Governor Whitmer and the Democrats may say they are serious about economic development, but repealing Right to Work would simply show that claim to be nothing more than a talking point,” Senator Nesbitt said, “At a time when Michigan families are struggling with high prices and high inflation, they need immediate relief now. Whether that’s relieving the tax burden or attracting investment into the state, repealing Right to Work would not help with either of those objectives.”

After it was passed in the Senate, during Governor Rick Snyder’s administration, one of the 51 no votes in the House of Representatives, explained why she was opposed to the bill making several claims including an allegation of illegal activity on behalf of the Republican majority. 

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“I voted no on HB4003 as a result of the undemocratic process employed by the Majority party to push divisive legislation that attacks middle class families at the last minute during lame duck session, former Representative Vicki Barnett (D) Niles said on the floor, “The Minority urged the House Majority to slow down the process and allow for thoughtful and deliberative debate on these issues. Instead, the Majority rushed through sizable and substantive public policy changes in the final days of session in the most undemocratic method: discharging bills out of committee without a single hearing, illegally closing the doors to the Capitol during session, and completely shutting the public out of any participation in the process.”  

Today’s session concluded with an announcement of committee meeting times and the majority of the session allowed for committees to adjourn to meet outside of the session floor.  Michigan News Source will continue to update the public as discussions take place on the house floor.