Black lawmakers and advocates call for more work in the lame duck session

(CBS DETROIT) The term “lame duck” refers to the period following an election and preceding a new legislative session, which is typically utilized as a chance to enact a number of measures before Lansing’s authority changes.

However, Black advocates and legislators claim that not enough is being done.

“Be truthful! The throng in downtown Detroit chanted, “Pass the bill!” on Monday.

During the lame duck session, Black legislators and activists gathered inside the Coleman A. Young building to call on Lansing lawmakers to go to work.

“That means getting committee hearings, that means getting putting bills up for a vote, just having opportunity for the Black agenda to be heard,” said state Representative Donavan McKinney.

Up to 40 bill packets, according to McKinney, may relocate before the power changes on Capital Avenue but haven’t done so yet.

“This is an issue that affects everyone; we need Republicans to support us as well. Everyone must report to work.” “Being honest with you is not partisan,” he continued.

According to organizer Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, there hasn’t been any progress on proposals like maternity health bills, second-look laws, vehicle no-fault changes, or increases in auto insurance rates.

“I am unable to explain why. The governor might be able to explain why. Joe Tate might be able to explain why, but whatever the cause, it’s wrong,” she remarked.

Joe Tate, the speaker of the Michigan House, reacted to accusations that this legislative session has seen a slower pace of bill movement.

“When you look at the total volume of impactful legislation, I would stand this legislative session up against any other previous legislative sessions just to talk about the direct impact that it’s had on people’s lives,” Tate stated.

Republican leadership in the House was contacted by CBS News Detroit for comment, but they did not respond.

It is anticipated that the new legislative session will start on January 2.

After covering Michigan’s capital for two years, Elle Meyers joined the CBS News Detroit staff in April 2023. Born in Oregon, Elle graduated from the University of Oregon (go Ducks!) with a double major in political science and journalism, two subjects that have helped her along the way to Detroit.

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