At the state Capitol, Democrats are preparing their last-ditch effort to slow or stop legislation that would make Michigan the 24th so-called “right-to-work” state.
Republicans in the state House are expected to send the legislation to Governor Rick Snyder Tuesday.
Thousands of demonstrators are expected to turn out at the Capitol.
Democrats in the Legislature say if “right-to-work” is such a good idea, it should be put up for a hearing or a public vote. They say it is wrong to take up such a controversial issue after the election and before the new Legislature is sworn in next year.
State Representative Tim Greimel is the new House Democratic leader.
“It’s being rushed through lame duck in the 11th hour relying on the votes of Republican representatives who were just defeated a month ago in their election because the residents of Michigan rejected their extremism and their right-wing agenda,” Greimel said.
Republican state House Speaker Jase Bolger said hearings are not necessary.
“They clearly will do anything they can to slow this down because they want to stop it. But this debate has been ongoing in Michigan for decades. It’s been ongoing in this Legislature for two years. It’s time to move forward,” he said.
Bolger also said there is no need to submit a right-to-work law to the public for ratification. A clause in the legislation that appropriates money also makes it immune to a voter referendum.
