What’s Quackin’ In Lansing During the Legislature’s Lame Duck Session?
Capitol Reporter Rick Pluta joins Detroit Today to give an update.
Every year around this time we get a better sense of what difficult or controversial measures the state Legislature is considering for passage.
It’s called the Lame Duck session — the period of time between elections and the end of the year — when lawmakers feel more free to vote their will because they won’t face an election challenge.
Proposals also move at a rapid pace with little vetting and public input because lawmakers are trying to squeeze as much in as possible before the holiday.
Coincidentally, we also see some measures become what is termed a “Christmas Tree,” a bill that has several lobbyist-backed provisions attached to it that may have little to do with the original proposal.
It’s a crazy time of year at the state Capitol, and this year is no exception. We could see lawmakers take up legislation tightening voter identification laws, overhauling the state’s teacher, police, and fire retirement systems, and overhauling Michigan’s energy policies. And, like every lame duck session at the state Capitol, a no-fault auto insurance overhaul could also pop up.
Michigan Public Radio Network Capitol Bureau Chief Rick Pluta joins Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to break down these issues and more from Lansing.
Click on the audio player above to listen to the conversation.
