The state House passed a measure Wednesday to send a request to the Michigan Supreme Court. Lawmakers want the court to decide if it was okay for the GOP-led Legislature to adopt two ballot initiatives last year, and then quickly make changes to those initiatives.
Representative Christine Greig is the leader of the Democrats in the state House. She says she’s on board with getting an opinion from the court. But she wanted the resolution to clarify that the Legislature would just ask the question – not defend a position.
“Spending taxpayer dollars to defend a position that most Michiganders are not going to support I just think is unconscionable.”
The measure’s sponsor says this is a faster and cheaper way to reach a resolution than going through the traditional court process.
Mike Shirkey is the leader of the Republicans in the Senate. He says it’s time for a clear decision on the controversial issue.
“This is just an attempt, sincerely, to remove the uncertainty, the cloud over the state over these two issues and allow our job makers and workers some certainty about what’s going to happen.”
Attorney General Dana Nessel is also considering a request for a formal opinion on the issue.