Local business leaders in the Tri-Cities are calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to begin the special election process to fill an open seat in the state Senate.
U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) resigned as the state Senator for the 35th district, which includes the cities of Midland, Bay City and Saginaw, on Jan. 3 to begin her new job in Washington DC.
The letter was signed by the CEOs of the Saginaw and Bay City Chambers of Commerce as well as the Midland Business Alliance. They requested Whitmer set a date for a special election.
“The 35th District encompasses a diverse and vibrant community, and its 270,000+ residents and businesses deserve to have their voices heard on policy affecting their livelihoods,” the letter reads.
Tony Stamas, CEO and president of the Midland Business Alliance, and one of the signees of the letter, told WCMU he would like the area to have a state Senator as soon as possible to address the incoming changes to the state minimum wage and paid sick leave, which take effect February 21.
"Legislation came out last week regarding the earned sick time legislation and minimum wage tipped wages that are really impactful to our local businesses and as soon as possible we'd like to have a voice in the Senate,” Stamas said.
This is the third longest gap of time (25 days an counting) its taken Whitmer to call a special election to fill a vacant House or Senate seat in Lansing since she took office in 2019.
The state Senate currently has a one-seat Democratic majority at 19-18, and a GOP pickup would leave Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist as the tie-breaking vote on any legislation.
On Tuesday evening, a group of Republican state Representatives from the Great Lakes Bay region issues a joint statrement also asking Whitmer to begin the special election process.
“Every day that goes by without a special election being called is a day people across our area will be without constituent services they expect and deserve," the statement reads. "While members of the Michigan House remain committed to answering people’s questions, hearing their concerns and helping them navigate state government, multiple layers of representation provide the best return for taxpayers."
The letter was signed by state Representatives Timmy Beson (R-Bay City), Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw Township) and Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland).
“House members can help with services but can’t vote on the people’s behalf in the Senate or ask questions in Senate committees regarding issues that impact their everyday lives. These are critical times in our state, and right now nearly 300,000 workers, small business owners, parents, teachers, first responders, local officials and others in this impacted area have less of a voice than they did before," the statement said.
The Governor's office did not respond to a request for comment.
