Republican leadership has been unconstitutionally holding legislation from last term hostage
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 28, 2025 — Yesterday, a Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Michigan Senate in the case regarding the nine bills from the 102nd Legislature that House Republican leadership refused to present to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“Despite clear guidance from the Court of Claims to present these bills, Speaker Matt Hall refused — wasting taxpayer money and forcing teachers to absorb health care cost spikes. I am glad to see the system working to uphold our state constitution and deliver what Democrats have fought for months to protect. Now, it is time for Speaker Hall to finally do his job,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park).
The nine bills would enable Detroit’s historical museums to pursue a regional property tax millage, permit corrections officers to participate in the Michigan State Police pension system, increase local government contributions toward employee health care and protect low-income residents by prohibiting the garnishment of public assistance payments.
“Yesterday’s court ruling makes it clear that the House Speaker cannot unconstitutionally withhold bills. For the past ten months, Speaker Hall has impeded progress and blocked critical legislation — bills that have already passed both chambers, from reaching the governor’s desk for consideration,” said state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren). “Because of this obstruction, teachers, public workers and hardworking families across Michigan continue to suffer as health insurance premiums skyrocket. They are being robbed of their hard-earned money while commonsense solutions like my bill, HB 6058, remain stalled. I will continue to fight to ensure that Michigan’s workers and their families are protected and that the will of the people, not political power plays, determines the laws of our state.”
“Our public workers give their blood, sweat and tears to ensure our students prosper and our communities are safe and secure. This legislation shouldn’t be controversial — it’s about taking care of those who’ve taken care of us for so long and continue to do so every single day,” said state Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “I’m incredibly grateful to the teachers, firefighters, corrections officers, public safety officers and others who continue to deliver for Michiganders day in and day out. I truly hope House Republicans promptly comply with this decision from the Court of Appeals and recognize that it is time to send these bills to the governor for her signature.”
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