(Lansing-MPRN) The 98th session of the Michigan Legislature is underway. The Michigan Constitution sets the beginning of each two-year session as noon on the second Wednesday in January.
Lawmakers were sworn in, and then chose the leaders of the House and Senate. Republicans have big majorities in both chambers. Leaders of both parties in the House and Senate all stressed the need to work across the aisle to address important issues.
“I am not going to be a road block, but I will not be a rubber stamp, either,” said new Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint. “My caucus and I will strive to be a bridge – judicious, deliberate, and realistic.”
The two new Republican leaders say the Legislature should continue on the path it has been on since the GOP gained control of both chambers and the governor’s office four years ago.
“We must refuse to be content with just surviving the challenges of the past,” said incoming House Speaker Kevin Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant. “We need to hold onto the strength, that strength that came from desperation, that willingness to do the difficult things and to resist politics as usual.”
“We must maintain this momentum,” said new Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive. “Our hard work is not nearly done. Government should be a place of results and accountability. Citizens expect and deserve common sense policy and a transparent process.”
Now lawmakers are waiting to see what Gov. Rick Snyder’s plans are for the year. He delivers his State of the State speech next week, and his budget proposal shortly after that.
