LANISNG (WKZO-AM) — The Michigan Legislature reconvenes on Wednesday with a long list of incomplete and leftover bills.
Lawmakers will be grappling with energy, problems with Detroit schools and with Flint water, third-grade reading, no-fault reforms and the budget.
But there may be one issue that’s a bit more pressing.
Many say the so-called “gag order” on local bond issues and millage elections may get prompt attention. Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, said, with several millage questions on March primary ballots throughout the state, it could become a public relations nightmare for Republicans.
“I’m glad to see that my colleagues are saying, now that we know more about this, we should rethink this,” Hoadley said. “I think that’s a responsible result.”
Sen. Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage, said the bill isn’t bad, just misunderstood. She said it needs some tweaks and clarification.
“(It ensures that) local government does not spend taxpayer dollars advocating for a position, but yet, we’re also not seeming to imply that we’re putting a gag order on it,” O’Brien said.
A lawsuit on First Amendment grounds could be filed if legislators fail to act quickly.
– John McNeill
