(WXYZ) — Michigan legislators are calling for the passage of bipartisan legislation that would abolish the "lame duck" session that follows legislative elections.
“Too many legislators treat lame duck like a free pass — they have forgotten who they work for,” said State Rep. Darrin Camilleri. “Some of the worst bills passed in the last six years have happened during this period because there are legislators willing to exploit the fact that they’re two years from another election. They think no one is going to hold them accountable for it, and the results have been disastrous for Michigan’s working families.”
House Joint Resolution I would abolish the lame duck session. Camilleri said legislative Republicans abused the practice recently when two bills increasing minimum wage and guaranteeing paid sick leave were gutted.
“Legislators are elected to serve the people, but once Election Day has passed, some seem to forget that,” said state Rep. Stephanie Chang. “From legislation gutting the pay and benefits of hardworking men and women across the state to bills that would drastically alter the separation of powers that stabilize our democracy, lame duck sessions have unfortunately produced policies that do not receive a full vetting and would do considerable damage in our state."
"This issue is not a partisan one – whoever is in power always has the opportunity to abuse this, period, and that’s exactly why lawmakers on both sides of the aisle believe it is time for this practice to end.”
