LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Legislature, which has been controlled by Democrats in both chambers for the first time in 40 years, will call it quits for the year on Tuesday. However, House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) will have nothing to do with “shared power” as suggested by House Republican Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township).

Tate, along with Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), echoed similar sentiments to the Detroit Free Press. Both felt an early adjournment is a reward for “an incredibly productive year.” However, Rep. Hall viewed things differently.

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This week, Democrats lost their majority. Today, the speaker took his gavel and went home.

After Democrats’ two-month Christmas vacation, I hope they’ll come back to work in January and come to the table so we can deliver the results Michiganders deserve.https://t.co/vnv5raKrZU

— State Representative Matt Hall (@RepMattHall) November 10, 2023

 

The early adjournment comes after two Democratic Representatives, Kevin Coleman and Lori Stone, won mayoral races in their districts last week. Their empty seats leave a months-long 54-54 deadlock between Democrats and Republicans in the House. Coleman and Stone’s seats will be filled by a special election; dates for those special elections are pending.

In addition, Democrats say the early adjournment will allow time for the Legislature’s bill moving the presidential primary to February 27 to take effect in time for the election. Senate Republicans voted down the bill becoming effective immediately, which Democrats say means it requires a full 90-day wait to become effective.

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