Michigan State Legislature Passes Right To Work Law

Michigan. Michigan? Yes, Michigan. This will make them the 24th Right to Work state in America.

Earlier today:

The House vote also fell mostly along party lines, 58-52, with all Democrats and some Republicans opposing it. Democratic House floor leader Kate Segal, D-Battle Creek, said she would ask to reconsider the vote on HB 4054 during the next day of session, but that decision will be up to Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall.

And just hours ago:

The Michigan Senate passed their first bill by a 22-16 vote, with Democrats and a few Republicans voting against it. A separate bill approving right-to-work strictly for public-sector workers passed a few minutes afterward by a 22-4 vote. The chamber's 12 Democrats walked off the floor in protest and were purposely absent for that vote.

As you may expect, the unions aren't taking the news well.

Governor Snyder had asked the House and Senate Republicans not to move forward with RTW legislation. However, the RTW proponents were encouraged to push forward after the pro-union initiatives were soundly defeated in the 2012 general election. One of the initiatives, Proposal 2, would have enshrined collective bargaining into the constitution. It was defeated 60%-40%.

I've been told there is a five day waiting period before the bill reaches Governor Snyder's desk. He has previously stated that he would not veto RTW legislation should it come across his desk.

This is a major victory on the Midwestern front comrades. While Obama may have won soundly in 2012, many of his individual constituencies are still unpopular.

For more background on the battle in Michigan read this article.

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posted by BenK at 08:29 PM

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