Keep your eyes and hears open! It's lame-duck time in the Michigan Legislature. Historically, that's a dangerous time. Lawmakers often cram through unpopular, complicated and pet project bills in the final days of a legislative session. And many times, it's not a good way to do the people's business.
Proof positive was the strong backlash lawmakers received recently from police, firefighters and teachers across this state. Wisely, the Michigan House backed off its controversial plan to cut retiree health care benefits for local government workers.
And the Michigan Senate abandoned, for now, their attempt to force all new public school teachers into a 401(k)-style retirement plan. Even the Snyder administration objected! These are complex bills that have the potential to impact greatly the lives of dedicated Michigan workers. As a state and a society, where would we be without public school teachers and first-responders?
There is no need to rush this issue. Political party control of our State Legislature and executive branch will not change in January. The power to enact legislation remains. But lawmakers need more information and more input from a diverse group of stakeholders! Have the courage to do your job in a transparent way when term limited lawmakers are not walking out the back door!
There's plenty for the Michigan Legislature to do before the end of the year. The Senate should follow the House's lead by making the legislature and the governor's office open to Freedom of Information laws. But next year, Michigan must begin to take action on the best way to upgrade our aging infrastructure. What do we want our state to look like 50 years from now? That's a very serious question we must answer for our children.
I'm Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager
Broadcast: December 8 - 11, 2016
