In a dramatic turn of events, the Michigan House of Representatives found itself unable to conclude legislative business as planned, marking the end of a two-year period under Democratic control. With Republicans poised to assume leadership, the absence of a quorum left key legislative items unresolved.
The absence of 54 Republicans and one Democrat, Karen Whitsett from Detroit, effectively stalled proceedings. House Speaker Joe Tate, representing the Democrats, attempted to compel attendance through a procedural measure known as the “call of the House,” but to no avail.
“Sergeants, please bring members back to the chamber and bar the doors,” declared House Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia). Despite the call, the effort was unsuccessful, and the Democrats conceded the session’s end.
“Everything that was on the agenda today in the House is dead and the 55 members that did not attend should feel free to own that,” Pohutsky remarked.
Speaker Tate criticized Whitsett and the GOP members for their absence, stating they had “let down voters by not showing up” and “stifled the voices of their constituents.”
Among the issues left unaddressed were potential expansions to Michigan’s open records law and new gun control measures, including a bump stock ban.
House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.), who will soon take on the role of Speaker, remained firm, stating that Republicans left due to unmet demands from Democratic leadership.
“We’re going to try to help our restaurant workers save the restaurant industry,” Hall noted, while also promising to address sick leave policies and road repairs.
The Republicans and Whitsett held their ground, citing Democratic inaction on their priorities, such as maintaining a lower tipped wage and adjusting newly implemented sick leave laws.
Whitsett accused Democratic leaders of failing to uphold their promises on legislative discussions. In contrast, Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) contended that no such promises were made, accusing Whitsett and Republicans of negotiating in bad faith.
“Goal posts kept moving and the conversations fell apart, but we are disappointed and, quite frankly, shocked,” said Aiyash.
With only one more official day of session scheduled for December 31, known as “sine die,” formal activities are expected to wrap up then, heralding a shift in leadership as Republicans take the helm in January.
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