Protesters oppose Republican moves to hobble next Michigan governor

pulse

December 12, 2018 11:18 PM

In response, Michigan Democratic leaders called for an end to legislative sessions that immediately follow elections.

Michigan state Republicans have approved a bill to limit the ability of Democratic governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer (pictured August 2018) to tighten environmental rules and other state regulations, sparking protests

More than 100 protesters took to Michigans state capitol on Wednesday to oppose efforts by the US states Republican-led legislature to limit the powers of its incoming Democratic governor.

Similar scenes played out last week in nearby Wisconsin, where state Republicans passed measures to significantly curb the authority of the Democrat who beat the incumbent Republican governor in the November midterm elections.

Critics say the legislative maneuvers are a concerted effort by Republicans to deny power to Democrats who will be taking office in January in states where Republicans control the legislature but have lost executive offices.

Facing less pressure because they are either about to leave office or simply do not face an imminent election, lawmakers can take advantage of so-called "lame-duck" sessions to enact unpopular measures.

"As we're seeing now, with Republicans pushing vindictive legislation meant to strip powers away from the incoming Democratic executive officers, this period of time is often abused," Democratic state representative Kristy Pagan said in a statement.

Republicans approved a bill Tuesday to limit the ability of Democratic governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer to tighten environmental rules and other state regulations.

They have also passed bills to weaken minimum wage and paid sick leave guarantees.

While the Michigan measures are less sweeping than those in Wisconsin, they still inspired protesters to fill the state capitol's rotunda on Wednesday.

"What we know is your voice is not being represented," state lawmaker Donna Lasinski told a boisterous crowd.

Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican who will vacate office in January, has not indicated whether he will sign the measures into law.

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