In a recent move, the House Republican majority in Michigan has ignited a political drama by deciding to withhold nine bills from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. This decision stems from a resolution passed that instructs the House clerk not to forward these bills, which were approved by both legislative chambers in the previous session but did not reach the governor before the session concluded.
The core issue revolves around the Michigan Constitution, which mandates that all bills approved by the House and Senate must be presented to the governor for signing or veto. However, it also maintains that one legislature cannot impose directives on a subsequent legislature. Recently, a Michigan Court of Claims judge stated that the bills should be sent to Whitmer, though no formal order was issued to enforce this, keeping the judiciary from overstepping into legislative operations.
This resolution, which did not involve a recorded roll call vote, signals that Republicans are firm in their stance against passing the bills along. As House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) articulated, the previous Democratic majority missed their chance, and it’s within his right to halt unfinished business from before the Republican takeover of the chamber.
“It was a very unprecedented situation, and there has been a lot of confusion,” Hall clarified in a statement. “Today, the House gave us clear direction on how to proceed. We are going to follow that direction.”
Senate Democrats, who initiated the lawsuit to push the bills to the governor, argue that the court’s decision already provides a clear directive. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) expressed disapproval, stating, “[Hall] lost in court, so now he wants to change the rules. It’s not a good look for him and certainly not helpful for the thousands of people who are counting on these bills getting to the governor.”
Governor Whitmer’s office has remained silent on the matter due to ongoing litigation. This silence leaves Democrats without a strong legal standing, as Republicans claim the issue is an internal legislative matter and advocate that courts should refrain from interference.
Among the contested bills is HB 6058, which mandates that public employers cover a larger portion of health insurance premiums, a proposal favoring unions but opposed by the Republican majority. Additionally, there is legislation permitting Detroit’s historical museums to propose a tax increase to Wayne County voters and another bill aiming to protect public assistance and disability benefits from being garnished.
While Senate Democrats deliberate their next steps, Speaker Hall is already preparing to escalate the matter to the Michigan Court of Appeals to challenge aspects of the decision unfavorable to Republicans. As the political maneuvering continues, stakeholders await the next developments in this unfolding legislative saga.
______________________
Have questions about Michigan politics? Or, just want to let us know what you want more of (less of?) in the newsletter? We always want to hear from you! Shoot us an email at politics@michiganpublic.org!
_______________________
2026 Political Landscape Shifts
Recent announcements have shaped the races for Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist confirmed his bid to succeed term-limited Governor Whitmer, joining a Democratic primary with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Flint Sheriff Chris Swanson. Meanwhile, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan continues his independent campaign, and Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is pursuing the GOP nomination.
On the Senate front, Pete Buttigieg has opted not to enter the race for the seat Senator Gary Peters is vacating, potentially setting his sights on a future presidential run. The Democratic field remains open, with contenders like state Senator Mallory McMorrow and Congresswoman Haley Stevens still considering their options. Meanwhile, Republican Mike Rogers appears poised for another Senate campaign.
Governor Whitmer’s Balancing Act
Governor Whitmer recently met with President Trump to discuss key issues, including tariffs and Great Lakes protection, reflecting her pragmatic approach to working with the current administration. However, this has sparked some discontent among progressives who recall her resistance to Trump in earlier days. This sentiment intensified when several House Democrats supported a GOP-led resolution aligning with Trump’s executive order on transgender athletes, causing friction with LGBTQ rights advocates.
Join Us for Issues & Ale
Reconnect with us at the first It’s Just Politics Issues & Ale of the year in Lansing. Join a bipartisan panel of lawmakers to discuss the state’s political dynamics on March 27th at Lansing Brewing Company. Attendance is free, but registration is required. We look forward to seeing you there!
_______________________
Yours in political nerdiness,
Rick Pluta & Zoe Clark
Co-hosts, It’s Just Politics
—
Read More Michigan News
