Great Lakes Wire

The Senate recently concluded a 29-hour session during which more than 90 bills were passed through the third reading. This session ended with the announcement that the chamber will adjourn sine die on Monday, Dec. 30.

The lengthy session lasted from Thursday at 10 a.m. until Friday at 3 p.m. House Democrats, unable to establish a quorum in their chamber, were unable to pass any bills since last Friday and expressed support for the Senate's efforts.

This session was noted as the longest since the House's income tax vote in 2007. Half of the bills passed on party-line votes of 20-18, while 13 were unanimous.

Republicans did not expedite the process, offering amendments and making statements that slowed proceedings. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) opposed nearly every bill.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) commented on her unpredictable workday following Friday's session. "Every day I get up and come to work and I do the best I can with what I’ve got," she said, reflecting on her approach learned from her mother.

Brinks mentioned that there are currently 247 Senate bills available for House approval before being sent to the governor. She expressed willingness to collaborate on bipartisan initiatives such as road funding solutions.

Two specific bills, HB 4605 and HB 4606, concerning sales tax allocation for public safety funds, required changes that could not be voted on due to scheduling constraints in the House.

Senator Thomas Albert (R-Lowell) suggested this might prompt reconvening or could potentially kill the legislation entirely. The absence of Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) and Speaker Joe Tate’s inability to form a quorum may have influenced these decisions.

Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) explained her amendment: “The substitute that was adopted...incorporate(s) changes that all parties agreed to." She praised progress toward investing in public safety programs.

Brinks worked closely with Governor Whitmer’s office to refine policies aligned with House approvals, hopeful for resolution by year-end but prepared if it does not occur.

Governor Whitmer acknowledged legislative efforts without addressing specific outcomes of recent sessions. She highlighted expansions in tax exemptions and education investment as priorities moving forward.

Nesbitt criticized Democratic actions as favoring corporate interests over working families' needs, calling out perceived hypocrisy in their agenda.

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 30, before adjourning sine die.