LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Over the strenuous objection of Democrats, the Republican majority in the Michigan House approved legislation late last night that would require that voters present Photo I.D. when they vote or within ten days or have their vote thrown out.
Supporters of the legislation say it’s to protect the integrity of the vote. Democrats are calling it a modern-day poll tax designed to disenfranchise the poor and minorities.
Kalamazoo Democrat Jon Hoadley says several other states have had similar laws struck down by the courts.
Hoadley says the Republican Majority and Rep. Lisa Lyons has seen a number of their laws tossed out by a federal judges this session, including anti-begging statutes, the so-called school “gag order” and banning straight ticket voting.
This new bill passed 57 to 50 with four Republicans also voting no. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Among the other bills that were approved by Lame Duck legislators in Lansing Wednesday was a package of bills that would increase speed limits, mostly on roadways in Northern Michigan that are deemed safe for such speeds by State Police. It’s headed for the Governor’s desk.
Bills that would pay a wrongly convicted inmate $50,000 a year for every year spent in prison passed by 102 to 2 in the Michigan House and now heads to the state senate. They would also be offered services, including helping to find housing, employment, clothing, and obtaining legal I.D.
The House also approved bills that would ban restraint and seclusion practices in public schools except in emergencies. That package also heads to the Senate, which is only scheduled to meet four more days this session.
