January 14, 2021 Ana Liz Nichols (Associated Press) & Jon King / jking@whmi.com
The new legislative session in Michigan began Wednesday with political tensions high over the attack on the U.S. Capitol and certification of the presidential election, with State Senator Lana Theis among those being called out for efforts at casting doubt on the validity of Joe Bidenâs win.
Since the Jan. 6 riot in Washington, D.C., by supporters of President Donald Trump, the FBI has warned of plans by radicals to attack statehouses nationwide, including in Michigan, which on Monday banned open carry of firearms inside the building.
What are the top priorities for the new session of Michigan Congress?
Elected officials aim to restore trust in government again
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LANSING, Mich. – Representatives and Senators have big agendas and the last election is on the minds of many politicians.
The House took the Oath of Office as a group. It was the most substantive business conducted, as the first day is typically ceremonial, but that doesn’t mean the leadership is hesitant to steer legislative directions.
Newly ensconsed House Speaker Jason Wentworth said working to restore trust in politicians starts with adjusting the Lame Duck Sessions.
“I’m proposing a house floor legislation that says any bill considered after the November election in an even numbered year needs a two-thirds vote to pass,” Wentworth said. “This would create more transparency and help us make sure that anything that passes in lame duck has strong bipartisan support.”
Michigan lawmakers came back to the state Capitol building in Lansing on Wednesday to kick off the new legislative session, although circumstances remain far from normal. Both the House and Senate convened for the first time in the new session Wednesday, with the state House formally electing Rep. Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, as new House speaker. Lawmakers face continued challenges dealing with .
The first day of Michigan's new legislative session started of with tensions high as frustrations and calls for action flew over the attack on the U.S. Capitol, the certification of the presidential election and continued coronavirus restrictions.