Great Lakes Wire

The year 2024 has been marked by a lack of productivity in the Legislature, with its future course hinging on House Speaker Joe Tate's approach to the remaining session weeks. House Minority Leader Matt Hall has expressed that cooperation between Democrats and Republicans could lead to a productive lame duck session. However, he warns against unexpected bills being introduced without consultation.

"Gridlock happens if they start popping bills on us. If they do that, we’ll vote no," Hall stated. He emphasized the potential for collaboration: "Let’s talk. We can have some give and take and lame duck will be productive."

Recent legislative developments include an attempt to reintroduce Michigan's film credits without Republican input, which did not proceed to a vote. Hall has identified roads and tipped credit/paid sick leave as key issues for discussion, advocating for more funds from economic initiatives like the SOAR Fund to be allocated to road improvements.

Concerns have arisen about possible obstruction from Hall and his party in Lansing during the final session weeks. Sen. Mallory McMorrow cautioned about potential government standstills: "The Matt Hall vision is to grind everything to a halt, and we could see a government shutdown."

Despite these fears, Rep. Bill G. Schuette maintained focus on positive outcomes when questioned about possible stalemates: "Our intent is to deliver on the key issues for Michigan." Schuette also expressed optimism about bipartisan collaboration with Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Governor Whitmer confirmed her communication with Hall following his appointment as Speaker, indicating initial steps towards building a cooperative relationship.

Schuette reiterated intentions for bipartisan efforts: "I’m sure we can find broad bi-partisan agreement and I look forward to working with my colleagues on either side of the aisle."

He urged Democrats to view election results as an opportunity for constructive governance rather than confrontation: "What I hope is that Michigan Democrats would look at these election results and realize this is an opportunity not to throw bombs and kitchen sinks, but rather to get down to the issues that are facing Michiganders."