LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Michigan Democrats barrel through their lame-duck session, the agenda is clear: push as much of their progressive wish list as possible before the clock runs out. The House only has two days left to be in session on the 18th and the 19th. The Senate will be in session on the 18th through the 20th and their last day is Monday the 23rd.

Bills to help transgenders with name changes and grant driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants are at the forefront. Meanwhile, crucial reforms like addressing firefighter staffing shortages, addressing sick leave rules and tipping issues, and fixing Michigan’s infamous auto no-fault insurance laws are gathering dust.

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With only a few days left on the calendar to legislate, one would think practical governance would take center stage. But instead, Democrats are laser-focused on their progressive agenda which will most likely come to quick and immediate halt when the Republicans take control of the state House in January.

Where’s the beef? Tipped wages and sick leave still on the back burner.

Michigan’s service industry workers, who’ve been waiting for clarity on tipped wages and sick leave rules, are being treated like an afterthought. Instead of meaningful discussion or compromise, Democrats have relegated these issues to the sidelines.

Republican lawmakers have highlighted the Democrats shenanigans, with Senator Jim Runestad (R- White Lake Township) describing the legislative process as an “assembly line of chaos.” Hundreds of bills are being rushed through with little scrutiny all while Democrats ignore the unintended consequences of their social agenda.

Buffaloed by the gavel – chaos and contempt in committees.

The circus atmosphere was evident during a recent committee hearing when Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) attempted to ask a simple, reasonable question about a bill and he was met with hostility from Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). Her response? A sharp rebuke questioning his ability to comprehend legislation and an authoritarian silencing with the gavel.

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This isn’t an isolated incident according to Runestad. Republican lawmakers have repeatedly noted the dismissive and chaotic approach Democrats are taking to governance. It’s less about answering questions and fostering debate and more about ramming through progressive legislation at breakneck speed with little regard for transparency or accountability.

Republicans walk out.

In a dramatic exit, Michigan House Republicans staged a walkout during the lame-duck session on Friday, after outgoing House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) refused to fulfill a previous promise to negotiate keeping the state’s tipped wage system.

State Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) criticized legislative Democrats in a statement to Michigan News Source, accusing them of focusing on personal projects at the expense of Michigan businesses. He said, “The Democrats are still sitting in the chamber at ease,” Borton said. “None of (the Republicans) have left town and we are here. If Speaker Tate wants to negotiate in good faith, I know the leader (Rep Matt Hall) would welcome that.”

Progress at what cost? The clock Is ticking.

While Democrats focus on progressive measures like making name changes easier or granting licenses to illegal immigrants, they’re failing to tackle the nuts-and-bolts issues that matter to Michiganders – which is likely why they lost the House majority.

Meanwhile, firefighters are still waiting for staffing reforms, insurance rates remain a crushing burden, and service industry workers face uncertainty over their pay and benefits – and many other deserving bills wait in limbo.

Fixing what’s broken.

Bob Mylnarek, co-owner of 1st Call Home, was on the WJR 760 AM podcast recently to discuss the insurance reform legislation. He said, “It’s not tot late to do the right thing so we’re hoping that they get this done…this may be our last chance for a long time.” The legislation that he’s referring to aims to rectify the drastic reduction in catastrophic care coverage in Michigan by instituting a reasonable fee schedule. It also addresses the arbitrary constraints on family-provided attendant care imposed by the 2019 auto insurance reform package

As the legislative session winds down, the question isn’t what Democrats will pass, but what they’ve chosen to ignore in their sprint to the finish line while they prioritize issues like what pronoun is on a Michigan driver’s license.