“Speed. I am speed.” That’s the mantra of Lightning McQueen, the hero of the kiddie classic “Cars.” It’s also the sound of newly-in-power Michigan Democrats passing bills fast and furious over the past month, at times with little discussion or deliberation. StellaThat’s the new reality in the state Legislature, where Democrats hold a two-seat majority and need to have a perfect floor attendance to advance legislation. That leaves little margin for error, and has lawmakers hustling. House Rep. Joey Andrews, D-St. Joseph, had to leave his newborn baby to drive to Lansing to cast a deciding vote on passing a $1.1 billion spending plan. House Rep. Natalie Price, D-Berkley, voted from the gallery last week above the House floor despite testing positive for COVID-19. With their help, Democrats made history: They passed legislation in January — the first time legislation was signed in the first month of any two-year session since 1947. They quickly tackled top priorities, introducing bills expanding Earned Income Tax Credit for lower-income families, repealing the state’s so-called pension tax and wiping out some abortion restrictions. Republicans say Democrats have spent years preaching transparency but are discarding it within weeks of seizing power. Republicans complained about procedures that could allow Michigan to move up its presidential primary and have prevented some lawmakers from speaking during debates. Democrats say Republicans just don’t like the taste of their own medicine. Amber McCann, a spokesperson for House Speaker Joe Tate, said that Democrats have made no secret about their priorities. “The criticism is disingenuous,” she said. As always, I’ve received so much feedback from you on pension tax, so thank you all for taking the time to do that. Keep it coming! We love to hear from you. Drop me a line at syu@bridgemi.com. Or email Jonathan Oosting at joosting@bridgemi.com or Lauren Gibbons at lgibbons@bridgemi.com. Yue Stella Yu State politics reporter See other newsletter options man at microphone Democrats, out of power for decades, passing bills in record time in Lansing The party is wasting no time after regaining control of the Senate and the House. Republicans grouse the breakneck pace is reckless, but Democrats say the GOP is getting a ‘taste of their own medicine.’ Support nonprofit Michigan news Did you know only 1.8% of Bridge readers support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation? We are public-powered and we need your help to grow and sustain. Please do your part and join the 8,975 members who value independent Michigan journalism. See our member benefits Democrats win, GOP upset as Michigan votes to move up presidential primary President Biden supports making Michigan one of the first states in the nation to host primaries. Republicans say doing so could hurt state delegates and is like ‘spitting in the face of half of the state.’ Michigan tax cut: Deal could emerge next week. It’s messy. What to know A tax cut to benefit 1 million residents likely will be ironed out soon. Here’s what you need to know about who benefits and why some lawmakers are upset. Medicaid review could drop 400,000 Michigan residents from coverage Beginning April 1, Michiganders must once again prove Medicaid eligibility, following years of protection from cutoffs during the pandemic. Many will likely lose coverage even though they qualify because they don’t fill out the right form. Michigan teacher unions back Right-to-Work repeal though it won’t help them If the state law is repealed, public school teachers and other government employees will still be governed by a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prevents unions from requiring public employees to pay union dues. But labor leaders want to be prepared if that changes. Michigan Senate panel removes flunking from third grade reading law Democratic lawmakers are moving quickly to remove the part of the state’s third grade reading law that requires students a year or more behind to repeat the grade. The bill passed out of a Senate committee Tuesday. Can more cash transform Michigan’s middling schools? We may find out soon A once-in-a-generation influx of money is allowing education advocates to debate reforms to a school system that has underperformed for decades Twitter Facebook Website Instagram Email Too many Bridge emails? Update your preferences Never want another Bridge email? Unsubscribe here This email was sent to: Cb31450@gmail.com Copyright © 2023 The Center for Michigan • 220 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197