Michigan Senate Pushes Through Legislative Agenda Amid House Stalemate
In a significant legislative push, the Michigan Senate has forwarded a slew of bills to the governor following a lengthy session that stretched from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday. This session likely marks the Senate’s final voting effort of the year, contrasting sharply with the Michigan House’s inability to proceed due to attendance issues.
This week, the House struggled with absenteeism among Republicans and one Democrat, preventing it from reaching the quorum necessary to consider bills. The unexpected decision to adjourn until New Year’s Eve left numerous Senate-passed bills without a path forward in the House.
“I am deeply disappointed that the House of Representatives called it quits while so many great pieces of legislation were ready for the green light. Legislators are tasked with the responsibility of using every tool available to advocate for their constituents and communities, and ‘frustrated’ is too light of a word to describe my dismay that the House failed to meet its obligations in this historic moment,” stated Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) in a press release.
Despite the House’s inactivity, Senate Democrats turned their focus to bills already approved by the House. Here are some key areas they addressed:
Health Care
The Senate passed several health care-related bills, including measures that mandate health insurance coverage for mental health screenings and prenatal care. Other legislation aims to improve access to hormonal contraception and eliminates work requirements for Medicaid recipients.
Economic Development
Lawmakers approved a plan allowing businesses to deduct a portion of their research and development expenses from taxes. Proponents argue this aligns Michigan with regional standards, while critics label it as “corporate welfare.”
Education
Addressing education, the Senate tackled bills targeting charter school transparency, such as requiring the disclosure of operator information and staff salaries. Additionally, they advanced legislation mandating schools notify parents of Michigan’s safe storage gun laws.
Public Safety
In a late-night move, Senate leaders expedited bills from committees for voting. These include a proposal for the state health department to enhance community violence prevention services for Medicaid beneficiaries. Another set of bills would enable corrections officers to participate in the Michigan State Police retirement system, aiming to ease personnel shortages.
As of Friday morning, the Senate had not acted on several contentious bills, including those aimed at supporting the Detroit Public Schools Community District and establishing a public safety and violence prevention fund.
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