Michigan House of Representatives gridlock ends as democrats retake house majority

LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – For nearly four months, the Michigan House of Representatives has been dealing with deadlock: 54 members for both the democrats and republicans in the legislature.

Now, two democrats have won special elections after the previous representatives were elected mayors of their respective cities. The House Speaker Pro Tempore says they’re ready to get back to work ahead of budget season.

“We are moving full speed ahead into budget season, getting those elections certified, getting those members in here so that they are able to vote and help us move things a little bit faster and just getting back to business,” (D) Michigan House Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Laurie Pohutsky said.

State Senator Ed McBroom says unity among U.P. lawmakers is important.

“For us in the U.P., the more that we have a team that works together the more influence and success we have, whether that’s obtaining budgetary goals or policy goals, having a cohesive team that trusts each other, that works together is critical,” (R) 38th State Senate District Sen. Ed McBroom said.

In a statement, Representative Jenn Hill says the Democrats’ central priority is working on a budget that invests in the people of Michigan. McBroom says even though Republicans are in the minority now, he’s still focused on government transparency and supporting mental health.

“I’ve got a number of policy goals, a number of them have to do with substantive government reform and transparency issues, I’ve got a lot of work I’ve been doing on changing and reshaping, supporting mental health services in the Upper Peninsula,” McBroom said.

Lawmakers are set to take a summer break at the end of June and representatives will soon begin campaigning in their home districts.

Copyright 2024 WLUC. All rights reserved.