Current:Home > FinanceMichigan Democrats are getting their way for the first time in nearly 40 years-LoTradeCoin
Michigan Democrats are getting their way for the first time in nearly 40 years
View Date:2024-12-23 22:46:28
LANSING, Mich. — In her State of the State address this year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had something no other Democratic governor has had since the early 1980s – a legislature willing to pass her agenda, even if with only a two-seat majority in both chambers.
"We spoke with a clear voice in November," Whitmer said. "We want the ability to raise a family without breaking the bank, strong protections for our fundamental rights to vote and control our own bodies."
And Democrats have wasted no time getting their top priorities to the governor's desk. Within the first two months of the many-months long legislative session, Democrats passed their centerpiece tax plan, a bill to repeal the state's defunct 1931 abortion ban and legislation to create civil rights protections for LGBTQ people.
Passing their big priorities
Some items, like the civil rights expansion, came with a few Republican votes while the abortion ban repeal fell closer to party lines.
"I am grateful that we are finally, finally addressing it and repealing this archaic and punitive law once and for all," said Democratic Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, who sponsored the abortion repeal. Pohutsky physically tore a page containing the old law from a book of Michigan statutes as she spoke.
But it hasn't all been easy. Democratic leadership learned a tough lesson when votes over the big tax cut got messy.
The plan started as two separate proposals to roll back taxes on pension income and increase the earned income tax credit, but funding for business incentives and other spending got roped in.
When the House vote did come up, after hours of waiting, no one was allowed to speak. Republican anger was palpable as they shouted down leadership.
Full steam ahead, no regret
This moxy comes after years of Democrats feeling powerless in the minority, often being gaveled down. Now, they're finding themselves using some of the same tactics they once criticized Republicans for.
"Voters exercised their power in terms of what they wanted us to do," said Democratic House Speaker Joe Tate. "They want us to be effective and I think we've shown that."
Now, Democrats are rushing to pass the last of their early goals before going on spring break.
That means getting labor priorities, like repealing the state's 2012 right-to-work law and a requirement for construction contracts to pay prevailing wage to the governor. Also, a deadly mass shooting at Michigan State University pushed gun control bills up on the priority list.
Some warn Democrats may be moving too fast
Meanwhile, Republicans are hoping that speed backfires. While their colleagues are selling the labor proposals as pro-worker, Republicans argue they're unpopular and expensive.
"This is the beginning of the Democrat overreach that's going to lead to their demise and the Republicans taking back the House," Republican House Minority Leader Matt Hall told reporters ahead of his chamber passing right-to-work repeal legislation.
"They shouldn't gulp, they should sip," says Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan President and CEO Jimmy Greene who has been a longtime supporter of right-to-work.
He says he understands why Democrats are moving so fast this time around but warns against them overplaying their hand.
"They should show that they're responsible with power. Right now, it looks like they're power hungry," Greene says.
It's hard to tell how strong the Democratic majority truly is, Greene says. Arguably, Democrats won control of the legislature with the help of a massive turnout spurred on by an abortion rights ballot measure. Not to mention newly independently drawn voting districts that ended up competitive anyway.
One factor in Democrats' favor, though – infighting within the state Republican Party.
"I think the Republican party is the best gift Democrats have. The idea that they're doing all this right now with [an] absolutely dysfunctional, inoperative, broke party apparatus?" Greene says. "Let's be honest. They're not afraid of Republicans. I wouldn't be."
There could be a long road ahead. The legislature still has all year to meet.
Colin Jackson is the capitol reporter at the Michigan Public Radio Network.
veryGood! (49)
Related
- 2 weeks after Peanut the Squirrel's euthanasia, owner is seeking answers, justice
- Trump was found guilty in his hush money trial. Here's what to know about the verdict and the case.
- Death penalty in the US: Which states still execute inmates, who has executed the most?
- Mel B's Ex-Husband Stephen Belafonte Files $5 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Her
- John Krasinski is People's Sexiest Man Alive. What that says about us.
- 81-year-old man accused of terrorizing California neighborhood for years with slingshot is found dead days after arrest
- World No. 1 Nelly Korda makes a 10 on par-3 12th at 2024 U.S. Women's Open
- Jax Taylor Addresses Dating Rumors After Being Spotted With Another Woman Amid Brittany Cartwright Split
- Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
- Jimmy Hayes’ Widow Kristen Remarries, Expecting Baby With Husband Evan Crosby
Ranking
- Week 10 fantasy football rankings: PPR, half-PPR and standard leagues
- Dakota Fanning Shares Reason She and Sister Elle Fanning Aren't Competitive About Movie Roles
- The verdict: Inside the courtroom as Donald Trump learned he had been convicted
- Officer who arrested Scottie Scheffler: 'Yes, the department has us buying freaking $80 pants'
- Bohannan requests a recount in Iowa’s close congressional race as GOP wins control of House
- Jury finds Chad Daybell guilty on all counts in triple murder case
- In search of new shows this summer? Here's the best TV to add to your list
- Tesla recalls more than 125,000 vehicles due to seat belt problem
Recommendation
-
Teachers in 3 Massachusetts communities continue strike over pay, paid parental leave
-
Elizabeth Warren warns of efforts to limit abortion in states that have protected access
-
Boeing shows feds its plan to fix aircraft safety 4 months after midair blowout
-
Former WWE employee suing Vince McMahon for sex trafficking pauses case for federal probe
-
Karol G addresses backlash to '+57' lyric: 'I still have a lot to learn'
-
Bebe Rexha opens up about suffering PCOS cyst burst: 'The pain was so bad'
-
Beyoncé stylist Zerina Akers goes country with new Cirque Du Soleil show
-
Biden administration awarding nearly $1 billion for green school buses