Update 12:16 p.m.
During a press conference this morning, Michigan Gov. Snyder dramatically changed course on 'right-to-work' legislation in Michigan.
He has continually said that the legislation was 'not on his agenda' this year because it was too divisive.
But today, he said right-to-work is on his agenda and he will sign a bill if it lands on his desk.
"It is a divisive issue. It's on the table, whether I want it to be there or not," Snyder said during the this morning's press conference.
The 'right-to-work' bills are expected to be introduced in the Legislature today. MIRS reports the bills will cover public sector workers and private sector workers.
Police and fire workers will be excluded.
The bills are expected to move quickly.
They are also expected to have appropriations attached to them, making voter repeal impossible.
10:42 a.m.
The Michigan Information Research Service reports the Michigan House and Senate plan to use 'vehicle bills' to move their 'right-to-work' legislation faster.
Vehicle bills are bills that have already been introduced into a legislative body into which language can be added. It allows legislators to move the legislation through the chambers faster than introducing a new bill.
MIRS reports their sources tell them the 'right-to-work' legislation Republican leaders plan to introduce today will cover both private and public workers.
We'll find out soon enough.
10:12 a.m.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Republican leaders in the state Legislature are expected to unveil their plans for so-called 'right-to-work' legislation at an 11 a.m. news conference this morning.
You can watch the 'media roundtable' live at 11:00 a.m. online.
From the Detroit Free Press:
Snyder is to be joined at the news conference, described as a “media roundtable,” by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and House Speaker Jase Bolger. Details were not disclosed, but right-to-work legislation is expected to begin moving in the Legislature today. Rather than introducing a new bill, which under the rules of the Legislature would take longer to pass, lawmakers are expected to introduce a substitute for a House bill that is already in the legislative pipeline.
Right-to-work laws are often called "right-to-work-for less" laws by those who oppose the measures.
The laws ban contracts that compel employees to join a union, or that compel them to pay fees to that union. Without these payments, unions lose their power.
Union supporters say workers not paying into the pool still reap the benefits of collectively bargained contracts, such as better pay, benefits, or working conditions.
