Great Lakes Wire

House Speaker Matt Hall announced the final committee assignments for the current term, revealing that only a third of House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri's initial requests were honored. The partisan margins remain similar to the previous term.

Some Democratic members in competitive districts received challenging assignments. For instance, Rep. Reggie Miller will serve as minority vice chair of the House Oversight Committee. Other Democrats like Rep. Jennifer Conlin and Rep. Denise Mentzer join her on this committee.

Republicans in vulnerable seats were given favorable positions. Rep. Rylee Linting and Rep. Kathy Schmaltz have been placed on committees such as Communications and Technology, Energy, and Regulatory Reform, potentially aiding their political success.

Democrats seen as agreeable to Republicans fared better in the assignments. Rep. Angela Witwer is now minority vice chair of the new House Rules Committee, while others like Reps Tullio Liberati Jr., Peter Herzberg, and Karen Whitsett secured preferred roles.

Despite past leadership roles or relevant expertise, some Democrats did not receive expected assignments. Former Health Policy Chair Julie Rogers was assigned to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Medicaid and Behavioral Health instead of Health Policy.

Rep. Phil Skaggs received two committee assignments unrelated to his recommendations after publicly criticizing a staff member's social media activity linked to Speaker Hall’s office.

Speaker Hall suggested that Puri's recommendations were punitive towards his own party members, alleging six revisions were made by Puri—a claim denied by Democratic caucus spokesperson Jess Travers.

Republican appointments included key roles for freshmen representatives Jason Woolford and Ron Robinson as chairs of specific subcommittees.

"I’m happy," commented Rep. Alicia St. Germaine about the announcement process on the House floor.

The article is based on information from MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter.