LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan’s newly elected state representatives took their oaths of workplace in Lansing Wednesday, marking the start of the 2025 legislative session.
Republicans regained management of the Michigan Home of Representatives after Democrats held the bulk for the previous two years. After the formal roll name, invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, lawmakers had been sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court docket Justice Kyra Harris Bolden.
Democrats nonetheless management the Senate and governor’s workplace, which means that divided authorities has once more returned to Michigan. Democrats say they’re keen to work throughout the aisle to get issues finished.
“I think it’s the only option,” state Rep. Kristian Grant, D-Grand Rapids, stated. “In this divided government, we’re going to have to do things that support on all sides of the aisle. That means all sides are going to have to give a little, but honestly that’s usually what’s best for Michiganders.”
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Rep. John Fitzgerald of Wyoming, the Democratic ground chief, additionally projected openness.
“Any genuine opportunity for cooperation and collaboration with this new House of Representatives is going to be necessary in order to get things done, not only to the Senate, but also the governor’s desk as well,” he stated.
A number of Republicans additionally confirmed positivity about bipartisanship.
“I think there’s more of a necessity to work together and get some things accomplished,” Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford Township. “So I actually look at it as a very open thing.”
Rep. Bradley Slagh, R-Zeeland, added there’s a number of room for compromise.
“I would truly tell you I think the best legislation happens in a divided government because you have to come to the middle,” he stated.
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The brand new legislative session follows a contentious lame-duck interval when Democrats tried to move laws earlier than their trifecta in authorities ended. Republicans staged a walkout and refused to vote on payments, whereas Democrat infighting finally resulted in lots of payments being left to die.
“No one can lie, we had a tough ending to the session,” Grant stated. “But honestly that leaves us in a new position to have some tough conversations in our caucus and decide where we want to head as a caucus and a party. I’m really hopeful we’re going to pull together and get focused and do the work we have to do.”
Republican Matt Corridor of Richland was chosen to be the subsequent Home speaker. Corridor represents Kalamazoo and Allegan counties.
Beneath his management, Republicans opened day one by tackling a controversial situation statewide. They launched payments that may preserve the state’s present tipped wage system, which is at present set to be phased out subsequent month. The laws would additionally decelerate will increase within the minimal wage. Whereas the state will quickly require employers to offer out extra sick time, a brand new Republican-led invoice would largely preserve present sick time legal guidelines in place.
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Whereas Democrats have stated they’re open to working with Republicans on these points, it stays to see how the brand new laws will probably be acquired. For something to get finished, it should move the Republican-led Home and the Democrat-led Senate.
“These are topics that are nuanced,” Democrat Home Minority Chief Ranjeev Puri of Canton stated when requested concerning the new payments. “We look forward to canvassing our caucus to see where everyone’s at and having robust discussions. Anytime there’s a chance to govern and work across the aisle, our hands are extended. We want to find solutions that meet the needs of Michiganders.”
The Home is ready to reconvene Thursday.
