Great Lakes Wire

Beginning this year, Michigan's Senate and House will be led by opposite parties for the first time in around 15 years. This shift raises questions about which legislative ideas will move forward and which may not succeed.

In a recent episode of the MIRS Monday podcast, outgoing state Rep. Graham Filler (R-St. Johns) and former Democratic state Rep. Henry Yanez participated in a round table discussion. Also on the panel was Tony Zammit, communications manager for Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.

House Republicans hold a 58-52-seat majority and plan to introduce legislation to halt the elimination of Michigan's tipped wages system, changes that were addressed by the Michigan Supreme Court following unconstitutionally amended ballot initiatives. The Senate's Democratic caucus is divided on this issue, while Republicans have shown readiness to block these changes.

Incoming House Majority Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford) aims to require proof of citizenship and photo ID for voting, challenging Proposal 2 of 2022 that allows signing an affidavit instead of showing ID at polls. Achieving this would need two-thirds support in both chambers, exceeding current partisan majorities.

The Democrats have a slim 19-18 seat majority in the Senate until Kristen McDonald Rivet's seat is filled following her move to Washington D.C. If Republicans win her seat, the Senate will be split 19-19, allowing Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II to cast tie-breaking votes.

Reflecting on past legislative terms with similar party control dynamics, Yanez commented on a spending supplemental bill for renovating Detroit’s Riverfront: “The Republican funders want it... I’ve already seen this movie.” However, Filler expressed skepticism about bipartisan cooperation without broader context.

Regarding higher penalties for fentanyl-related offenses—a significant concern given overdose statistics—Filler stated support: “Those are my bills... They can do it.” Zammit and Yanez agreed with him.

A proposed licensing fee on nicotine product retailers failed previously due to legislative tie-bars; Filler doubts focus from a Republican House but Yanez insists on protecting children over products like Zyns: “If Republicans don’t want to do that, it’s on them.”

Transparency concerning lawmakers' involvement with 501(c)(4) nonprofits remains contentious. Yanez doubted self-regulation among politicians: “Politicians telling on themselves? Never going to happen.” Zammit suggested public voting might be necessary for reform.

Lastly, attempts to amend auto insurance reforms faced hurdles as past proposals met opposition within both parties. Filler noted entrenched interests: "There’s too much on the line from too many big donor sources."

This article is provided courtesy of MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter.