Michigan’s Senate approved around $220-million in spending Wednesday, January 18, in the first bills passed this legislative session.
Similar legislation came up last month. But lawmakers adjourned for the session without getting it across the finish line. That left budgets including human services and environmental protection unfinished.
They passed along party lines, with Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt accusing Democrats of dropping the details last minute.
“If you want the votes, then let’s have a negotiation, actually work through the process," Nesbitt said.
But Democratic Senate Appropriations Committee chair Sarah Anthony says most of the items had already been negotiated under Republican leadership last term.
“I think folks need to work out their own politics but I’m here to govern and not throw shots and throw shade," Anthony said. "That’s just not my style. I am going to be upstairs busy getting to work.”
The bills now head to the House of Representatives.