LANSING, Mich. – House Speaker Joe Tate issued a call to the House Thursday afternoon to get missing members to show up on the calendar for the final day of the session.
“They took an oath to say I am going to be where I am supposed to be. They are supposed to be here today. How can you be a lawmaker and not a law abider,” said State Rep. Tyrone Carter, a Democrat who represents Detroit.
House Republicans chose to continue their boycott of the session, accusing Democrats of ignoring their concerns.
House Democrats could have moved ahead with their agenda with their majority.
But trouble has been brewing in the Democratic caucus.
State Rep. Karen Whitsett, a Democrat who represents Detroit, was also absent from the House chamber.
Following Tate’s decision to adjourn the House, Whitsett made her way to the House floor and spoke to reporters alongside Speaker-elect Matt Hall, a Republican.
Whitsett said Tate has not kept his promises.
“This is the poorest leadership that I have ever seen in my six years,” she said.
Hall joined Whitsett in her criticism of the outgoing speaker.
“This whole lame duck Joe Tate has not had a plan,” said Hall, who represents Kalamazoo.
Tate said the House will reconvene on Dec. 31.
The new legislative term begins on Jan. 8, which will officially end the Democrats governing trifecta.
Republicans are set to have the majority in the House next year.