LANSING – A new legislative term begins Wednesday at the Michigan State Capitol.
For the first time in 15 years, Republicans and Democrats will each control a chamber of the legislature.
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Following last November’s election, Republicans now hold a 58-52 majority in the House, while Democrats lost their trifecta.
There will be 14 new House members: 10 Republicans and 4 Democrats.
New Speaker
Republican State Rep. Matt Hall is replacing Democratic State Rep. Joe Tate as House Speaker. Hall, whose district includes parts of Kalamazoo and Allegan counties, has served in the House since 2019.
As minority leader, Hall demonstrated his ability to keep his caucus unified. He led a boycott of the final days of the lame-duck session, accusing House Democratic leaders of ignoring House Republicans' legislative priorities.
Now in the majority, House Republicans are expected to immediately address tipped wages and paid sick leave, both of which will take effect on February 21.
However, it’s uncertain if Republicans will gather enough support in the Democratic-controlled Senate to advance these policy goals. As speaker, Hall plans to “invigorate” the oversight committee to focus on issues such as the weaponization of state government and budgets.
“For too long, the government and bureaucracies have gone unchecked. We are going to put the check back in,” Republican State Rep. Bryan Posthumus said.
Bipartisanship
The split government will require Democrats and Republicans to find common ground to pass legislation. For the past two years, Democrats have been able to push through their agenda without Republican support.
The last time Michigan had a Democratic governor and Senate with a Republican House was in 2010. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Hall will need to strike deals with each other.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said last month she “will continue to work with anyone who is serious about getting things done.”
The first big test of bipartisanship will be the state budget.
How Democrats pivot?
Michigan voters expressed their displeasure with the Democratic Party in last November’s election by flipping the House. Democratic legislators say they received the message and plan to focus on pocketbook issues.
“People want to feel like they have some breathing room in their bank accounts. They want to feel like they’re being built up and supported by their state government,” Democratic State Rep. John Fitzgerald said.
Passing legislation will be more challenging for House Democrats, who are in the minority. Senate Democrats will likely try to make progress on government transparency.
When do House and Senate sessions start?
The House and Senate are expected to convene on Wednesday at noon. The House will elect the new Speaker of the House, Speaker Pro Tempore, and the House Clerk.
New bills for this legislative term could be introduced as early as Wednesday.