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UPDATE: In a surprising development, Representative Joe Tate has reversed his decision to run for Mayor of Detroit, as reported by Nick Manes from Crain’s Detroit Business. This comes after Tate had initially indicated his intention to announce his candidacy. Read more here.
Returning to legislative matters in Lansing, Michigan’s political scene has been dominated by discussions on minimum wage and sick leave laws. Late last night, bipartisan efforts resulted in the passage of two significant bills just before the deadline. These are now awaiting Governor Whitmer’s signature, potentially becoming law over the weekend. Read the full story.
Political analysts are noting this as a moment of rare cooperation between the Republican-led House and the Democrat-controlled Senate. This collaboration could signal a shift towards more bipartisan agreements in the future, possibly even on long-standing issues like road funding. Republican House Speaker Matt Hall expressed optimism, stating, “If we got it done, it would maybe lay the foundation for a productive two years.”
Despite this legislative success, controversy remains. Groups that initiated the original petitions are dissatisfied, recalling Republican maneuvers in 2018 that replaced voter initiatives with new laws. The Michigan Supreme Court sided with petitioners, indicating Republicans had overstepped.
Future actions could include lawsuits, new petition drives, and political campaigning against lawmakers involved in the compromise. Progressive groups and unions are particularly motivated to maintain influence as the 2026 elections approach. Danielle Atkinson from Mothering Justice stated, “There needs to be accountability,” highlighting potential tensions at the upcoming Michigan Democratic Party convention.
Meanwhile, One Fair Wage, a backer of the 2018 minimum wage initiative, is preparing for a possible referendum, pending sufficient signature collection. Learn more about the process.
Have questions about Michigan politics? We’d love to hear from you! Send us your thoughts at politics@michiganpublic.org.
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Other Political Developments
Tate to make it official: State Representative Joe Tate was poised to announce his candidacy for Mayor of Detroit, joining a competitive field. He had filed campaign paperwork in November and had been fundraising actively. This announcement aligns with current Mayor Mike Duggan’s gubernatorial ambitions. More details here.
Clement to step down: Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, known for her independent legal stance, will not seek reelection. Appointed by former Republican Governor Rick Snyder, Clement’s departure allows Governor Whitmer to appoint her replacement, potentially shifting the court’s balance further left. Explore her career.
Party Leadership Elections: Party chair elections are happening this weekend for both Michigan Democrats and Republicans. Democrats need a successor for Lavora Barnes, while Republicans face a leadership shift with Pete Hoekstra stepping down. The outcomes will shape strategies for upcoming statewide elections. Read more about endorsements.
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Yours in political nerdiness,
Rick Pluta & Zoe Clark
Co-hosts, It’s Just Politics
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IJP ON THE ROAD:
Rick was a panelist on WKAR’s Off the Record with Speaker Matt Hall discussing the bipartisan deal at the state Capitol.
Zoe contributed to NPR’s Friday News Roundup, providing insights on national news developments.
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