LANSING, Mich. – For many, the legislative term in Lansing is coming to a disappointing end.
It has been marred by a boycott of sessions and in-fighting.
“There is certainly bad optics to not showing up. It is almost akin some people might say I’m going to take my ball, I’m going home. However, Republicans in the State House have no power,” Oakland University Political Science Professor David Dulio said.
The House couldn’t even reach quorum with House Republicans and Democratic State Representative Karen Whitsett not present.
Although Democrats point the finger at Republicans, House Democrats could have moved on legislation with the support of Whitsett alone.
And its impact goes well beyond the halls of the Capitol building.
Gema Lowe, who is an undocumented immigrant, has been organizing around legislation to allow people, like her, to get drivers licenses.
The Movimiento Cosecha organizer stood outside a House chamber Wednesday with undocumented immigrants and allies, hoping for signs of progress.
“Ever since the right was taken away, we have been introducing the bills every time, and this is the closest we have gotten,” Lowe said.
The House session never got underway amid the boycott.
While House Republicans were away from the House floor, some from Southeast Michigan gathered at American Coney Island in downtown Detroit Thursday morning to bring attention to the phasing out of the tipped wage in February.
It’s an issue that they accuse Democrats of ignoring.
After the Republicans made their remarks, Grace Keros, the owner of American Coney Island, shared with me her frustrations with the drama at the State Capitol.
“They are all fighting up in Lansing. Like I said, right, left, middle, wherever you are. Talk to us. Everybody forgets about us,” said Keros.