LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The lame duck session in Lansing is proving to live up to its name as Democrats lose the last bit of control over their party in the waning days of their majority power.
What’s happening?
State Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) joined Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) on Wednesday. Both said they will not attend Wednesday’s scheduled session in Lansing. Rep. Whitsett said on Tuesday night she would not show up until serious issues that impact her constituents are taken up by Democratic leadership.
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Whitsett’s announcement came a day after outgoing Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes sent a scathing email blasting Republicans for not showing up to work. “After walking away from their jobs last week, the question remains as to whether they’ll show up this week, leaving millions of Michiganders unsure if they’re paying their representatives to sit on their hands,” Barnes wrote.
Republican control starts on Jan. 1.
Republicans regained control of Michigan’s House on Nov. 5. They take office on Jan 1.
Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) could enact a chamber rule that allows the sergeant-at-arms to bring the lawmakers back.
Democrats have been pitching a fit on social media over the Republicans who walked out of session on Friday. Republican leadership said Speaker Tate lied about moving forward on addressing minimum wage changes for tipped workers. Without legislative intervention, those new wage levels go into effect in February. At the time, Democrats did not need the Republicans to pass any bills since they had the majority.
Future House leadership.
Michigan House Speaker-elect Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) issued this statement: “The obstacle in our way is Speaker Tate. He has lied over and over. He’s been unable to deliver votes he promised. The speaker has failed to follow through, and from his number one priority — the land value tax — all the way to roads, he has repeatedly shown himself unable or unwilling to honor his commitments.
Hall continued, “Last week, he failed again, making it clear to the press that plans to protect restaurant workers and workable earned sick time are dead. Speaker Tate’s weak leadership has left Michigan workers without the actions they need,” Hall said.
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