Lame Duck Update: GOP Lawmakers Moving to Limit Incoming Democrats’ Power

Jake Neher/WDET

The first week of the Legislature’s 2018 lame duck session has been about as busy as anyone might have expected, with more than 100 bills sent through the committee process.

They include controversial moves to gut the state’s new minimum wage and paid sick leave laws. And there are efforts underway buy the GOP to limit the powers of the governor, attorney general and secretary of state, now that Democrats will hold all three offices. There are also plays to change the brand new law legalizing recreational marijuana.

Some people say lawmakers ought to represent the will of the people, who spoke pretty loudly about what they want on Nov. 6.

But increasingly, and especially in this stretch between elections and the first of the year, legislators seem much more committed to doing whatever they can get away with, without facing the people.

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson is joined by MLive reporter Emily Lawler and WDET’s Jake Neher to talk about the many measures facing a vote of the Legislature this Lame Duck.

Jake Neher/WDET

He also talks shop with John Sellek, president and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, and former press secretary for Michigan attorneys general Mike Cox and Bill Schuette.

To hear the conversation, click on the audio player above.

 

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  • Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.