Here again is our Thursday segment on what's happening in Michigan, where Republicans control the governorship and both chambers of the legislature.
In a nutshell, the story is that the Michigan Constitution requires that bills wait until the end of the session -- essentially, the end of the calendar year -- plus 90 days before becoming law. You can, however, put a bill into effect immediately, provided you have a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Republicans have that super-majority in the Senate, but not in the House. Yet they appear to have given nearly every bill since they took over in January 2010 immediate effect.
Michigan Republicans have applied immediate effect even to legislation Democrats have opposed in a block, from taking away domestic partner benefits (pdf) to blocking the expansion of union rights (pdf) to the souped-up emergency manager law (pdf) that lets the state replace elected officials with managers who have unilateral control. As you can see in the clip above, the Republican speaker calls for a rising vote, waits a blink, and then gavels in his party's super-majority.
Michigan Democrats have begun using their numbers to demand a record roll call vote, as a means of trying to make Republicans prove they have the super-majorities they claim to have. They say Republicans are denying them roll call votes, and last week, they sued the House (and specifically Republican House leadership) over it. On Monday, a county judge ruled for the Democrats. Issuing a temporary injunction, he ordered the House leadership to grant the roll call votes; he also put on hold several recent bills passed improperly.
I'll add files to this post as they come in. For now, these pdfs: the Democratic brief, the temporary injunction, the House (Republican) appeal and the Democratic response. Also, the official Journal of the House (pdf) on the day Republicans attached "immediate effect" to the emergency manager law. The action is on numbered pages 209 and 210; you'll see the GOP has 62 votes, when a super-majority would be at least 73.
ADDING: Michigan Republicans have totaled up the number of bills Democrats passed under immediate effect when they were the majority and it was nearly all of them. What we don't know yet is whether the Republican minority requested roll call votes and was denied them, which is what Democrats say has been happening to them.
More on this story Friday night and next week. If you've got links to add, please drop them in the comments.
Leave a Comment:
This story should have been picked up by every Newspaper and News outlet coast to coast (except FOX News of coarse) Rachel & TRMS Staff given proper credit. I really think this story could have massive lawsuit action against The Michigan Elected Officials and tossing out of all the fast track legislation that has been passed since there takeover in 2011 or as Vice President was caught on tape telling President Obama at the passing of Healthcare Reform "This is (Expletive Deleted)"
Two things I don't get:
1. Why did it take the Democrats in the Michigan House so long to complain about this?
2. Why didn't the Detroit newspapers and other major papers around the state make an issue of this as soon as it was apparent that "immediate effect" was being given to bills that obviously didn't have a 2/3 majority?
They were probably in as much shock as you and I are. Americans are still numb and beaten up over what Bush did to us. That was just Round 1 they want Round 2 to start if a Republican gets into office and they're not waiting for Romney they have already begun their attack on us. Whoever is to blame for this should be charged with Treason against the U.S. or some other charge this has to be illegal.
Yes, I wondered the same thing myself. I am trying to understand how these tyrannical legislators -- not just a name-calling but a very real dictatorial way of ruling -- and not just in Michigan, but in so many statehouses, got "swept in" during 2010? How did that happen without anyone noticing? Didn't the electorate know what they were voting for? And yes, where is the opposition, and why did it take them so long to catch on? You know, Michigan has some of the finest universities in the country, and yet, there seems to be a silence there for what is happening – wouldn’t you think SOMEONE in these ivy halls would notice (or are they afraid to criticize because they get funding from the state?). THANK YOU, RACHEL MADDOW, FOR ALL THAT YOU DO TO OPEN UP YET ANOTHER PANDORA'S BOX OF THE VILEST OF VILEST BEHAVIORS BY OUR SO-CALLED “DEMOCRATICALLY” ELECTED LEGISLATORS.
There is rascism and other prejudices in this country but, not to the extent of what is going on right now. They are trying to take our attention off of what is really happening. White Supremist groups ae behind all of this new legislature.Their push is and always has been to get rid of the government or to overthrow it. Now that this has been exposed. We will see what happens. Will the Right extremist realize that they have been played by These White Supremist groups. This has been going on to some extent. These groups are all tied together with the NRA who I feel should be held solely responsible for the killing of Trayvon and numerous other slayings. We held The Tobacco Companies responsible for their part in many deaths it's time to do the same against the NRA they are responsible for all the new laws that advocate murder and are responsible for the guns getting in the wrong hands the hands of those who have been brain washed by this new agenda to overthrow the government. Piece by piece they are trying to destroy America as we know it. They are now after the Post Office. This is a huge conspiracy. Everyone needs to wake up. There should be no secrets as it concerns the American People this includes the Bribery and secret contributions being made to the GOP from these White Supremist groups.
In 2009, the Democratic majority got all but two of the 242 laws it passed to go immediately into effect after then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed them.
The next year, Granholm signed 383 laws passed by the House, 365 of which had an immediate-effect clause, Republicans said Friday.
In their suit, the Democrats contend the Republicans, who took over the House 15 months ago, have passed 546 of 566 bills with an immediate-effect clause attached.
Under previous practice, a law could take immediate effect without a recorded roll call if two-thirds of the House — or 73 of the 110 members — voted yes.
As the current majority, the Republican leadership has had its members simply rise to vote to give a law immediate effect, just as Democrats had done.
Then Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh, R-Livonia, typically would declare the immediate-effect clause passed.
State Rep. Kate Segal, the Democratic floor leader, on Friday said her party was just as guilty of not getting roll call votes as the Republicans are now.
"Both parties have taken advantage of the immediate effect and gotten away from the constitution," said Segal, D-Battle Creek.
Maddow implied that Republicans have been trampling on the constitution by using immediate effect so frequently, without noting the Democrats' regular use of the procedure during Gov. Granholm's tenure.
On Friday, Republican House staff members totaled up Democrats' use of the procedure in the last legislative session and released the numbers to the media.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120407/POLITICS02/204070340#ixzz1rMrUNrdb
I read a Detroit Press article that the Democrats did the same thing in 2009 to pass many bills through. That is probably why the Democrats have stayed quiet on this issue until now, they have had enough. No matter which party holds the majority they all need to obey the laws.
Thanks, @MotorCityJan. I'll add this link up top.
Does it really matter that both parties used this inappropriate method to pass bills? Wrong is wrong and the current democrats asked for roll call votes this time. Roll call votes should have been taken. Were there inquiries for roll call votes in 2009? If there was, roll calls should have been taken then, also. Actually, actual counting should take place every time. As for the people asking why hasn't anyone started pointing any of this out until now...many issues have been brought to members of congress and the media in the form of rallies on Lansing, but they received little to no coverage by the local media. Many of those at the rally were union workers, which are currently rated just under the Taliban as the scourge of our nation. Ultimately, unions were needed because of mistreatment by employers, and continue to be needed to prevent the repeat of such offenses. It is also nice to have a middle class.
Thank you MotorCityJan for your concise layout of the history of this mess. I say this is exactly what happens when rules are not followed: you get chaos. And here it's not just the rule of "wipe your feet on the mat before coming inside". It's ignoring the freaking State Constitution. So Democrats apparently did it first--I'd like to see the facts vetted exactly. So where were the cantankerous Republicans, when this was happening.
But no matter. Wrong is wrong. If wrong was wrong it still is. Who knows how they'll fix the votes of the past, I guess they'll let them stand. But right needs to be done. Right is right. People need to have their democratic rights, whatever party they belong to.
I guess this blunts Rachel's message a little bit, but her story is still true--it just needs further reporting. Thanks Rachel, for your work. :)
So is it ALEC that is largely responsible for the hundreds of radical anti-middle class, intolerant laws recently and hurriedly passed in many states like Michigan since 2010, along with strategies for taking control of state houses and local communities? And now that we see that they are circumventing legal procedures at least in Michigan to put what they want in place and as quickly as possible, perhaps they are doing it illegally elsewhere. Anyone looking into this??? Are we to believe that the 2010 elections across the country were all 100% legitimate? Unfortunately with no paper trail, we probably can never know. But I for one am highly suspicious that the radicalized GOP won so much power in one election. Anyone else???
One obvious difference in both parties letting legislation go into effect immediately is the legislation itself. The consequences of the republican agenda is truly un-American.
This is what has been happening and will continue to happen when the "press" ignores its role as the forth branch of government. Our society has become filled with those that will take and use power when and where they can exercise it, and no one is looking. Our court system is filled with individuals, lawyers, and judges whom will allow "anything" to take place, including perjury, false testimony, and wrongful prosecution. The reasoning is they cannot "police" the system because they do not have the time and resources! Unless the press exercises its role as the "sheriff" and exposes this nonsense, then it will continue to grow. I am not sure, but it might be too late!
more importantly, the voters in Michigan need to do their jobs as citizens. We all have a responsibility in this grand experiment.
Michiganders have been writing in to websites saying that they had absolutely no idea this was going on. They also knew very little about the financial managers takeovers of local governments. The press in MI is definitely falling down on the job.
While Rachel deserves a Pulitzer just for this.
This is a response to Ms Wilcox. Most of the Michigan citizens don't know. You find out more of wjat is happening in Detroit and other Michigan cities from MSNBC than from the local new. Who by the way show up at the protest and meetings citizens have with camera & microphone in hand, but never air the results on their news shows.
The way state legislatures are restricting voter acess, YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE MIGHT BE GONE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT! If these practices are allowed to continue, unchecked by the lack of media attention, then your ability to effect change, by your vote may be lost forever! This is serious!
All the Michigan politicians that have been involved in this process since 2009 or whenever it started should be removed from office and should be barred for life from political office. Audits should be done in the 49 other states to see if similar practices are happening. Thank you Rachel for exposing this. This has been a total failure by the Press to inform.
CONSENT DISCONTENT
Regarding the recently accepted consent agreement between the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan, I want results. No more well-meaning but empty rhetoric from any of the principals involved: Mayor Bing, Governor Snyder, or the City Council. I want working streetlights: many neighborhoods have no working streetlights. On major thoroughfares it's bad enough, but in the broader neighborhoods, sometimes streetlights are the only ambient illumination (no businesses keeping lights on after dusk) and when they are gone, entire blocks are shunt into 'complete' darkness.
I want a regular police presence: I mean police cars patrolling the neighborhoods, officers on bicycles, and even beat-walking officers. Currently, people can wait for hours and longer after calling for police help-- and of course, sometimes police don't show up at all.
I want a responsive fire department, ambulances and emergency medical service: seconds literally count in emergency medical circumstances, and the current status-quo of frequently broken-down emergency vehicles and overall diminished number of vehicles is untenable.
I want reliable mass transit: currently, that means bus service, which in the past year has regressed from passable to maddeningly inefficient. Commuters are frequently stranded for hours waiting on an assortment of buses, and even if a bus shows up, it may be so packed that the rider deliberately passes by riders for lack of space. Bus drivers face a hostile, frustrated public, some of whom fall into the maniac category and have taken to physical assaults on drivers and even armed assault on buses. Plans must be undertaken to address the lack of a comprehensive mass-transit system for the city and vicinity.
I want a non-obstructive, functional city bureaucracy. People shouldn't have to travel downtown to the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building to address every single civic issue. Parking is scarce downtown, and by default costs money that poorer folk and working-class folk have little of to spare. Many people take time off from work or school to address business at the CAY building. Time is precious. Most if not all city-business documents should be made available online, with a functioning, user-friendly website for people to navigate and download what they need. This would enable many forms to be filled out before people arrive in-person at city offices. Forms should be able to be filled out online as well (as well as a component to facilitate online payment.) This would help to streamline city government and reduce all the back-and-forth scenarios that frequently happen when a person is directed from one office to the next, and often with a limited time-window to achieve their goal.
I don't want this to last forever. I want Detroit's fiscal stability restored. Detroit's citizens deserves better. They deserve to not live as second-or-third-class citizens.
The newspapers should be all over this. Your post reminds me of the 1850s in NYC and the appalling conditions then. We should tweet this everywhere!
Exactly. You want Benito to make the trains run on time and to hell with the touchy feely, mumbo-jumbo democracy crap.
I agree. It costs me $40 for cab fare everytime I come & go to a city council meeting since only God knows how long it would take me by bus. Only to have our council members ignore that the majority of citizens say to them. Gary Brown had the nerve to insult us by saying on a local show, Let It Rip, that "only the people without jobs" are vocal & come to the meetings. Many like me are retirees and are coming for the future of our children and grandchildren.
The state Constitution also says that bills will be with each house for 5 days prior to vote and that they will be read 3 times in each house.
so, I would like to see the record of each 5 day period for every bill plus read and recorded 3 times in each house.
reading the state Constitution last night after the show ended was fun. I love the odd detail that when the bill is presented to the governor he has 14 days to sign it(measured in hours and minutes from the time of presentation in which to consider it-measured in hours and minutes from the time of presentation in which to consider it)
I really love that they specify how long and how to count the time. minutes and hours.
While I think that Rachel Maddow bringing attention to this disturbing trend in my home state is an important step in stopping or at least shaming(I wish) these kinds of actions, I would like a comparative on some of the numbers from yesterday night. I have only skimmed through some of the documents linked here, but I have read other articles. I am particularly interested in the difference between the number/percentage of immediate effect applications before Republicans took control of the legislature as well as after. Both sides have acknowledged using both immediate effect and rising votes in previous years. How have they been used differently, if at all? I think these questions are just as important in understanding the situation as the information you have already relayed on the show. Myself(left-leaning independent) and my mother(right-leaning independent) are thoroughly disgusted with Republicans in our own state and nationally, but believe blame needs to be identified on both sides(if there is) in order to solve some of these problems.
I will say though that the complete ignoring of both written and verbal roll call requests is completely disgusting and should most definitely be brought to the attention of people. I don't think anyone can justify that as being reasonable or democratic(little d). One would think Republicans would be shamed by the thought of showing such blatant disregard for constitutional rules on a broadcasted and recordable setting.
I agree with your last paragraph. The blatant disregard for democracy needs to be loudly denounced to the same degree that Komen was called out for blatantly politicizing their charity. I hope chariible organizations heard this message. The same goes to Republicans, they have to go.
I am still surprised that people are unable to rally around an issue like this and see that the right seem mostly to blame for seizing democracy away from voters, giving power over people, economy to corporations with no regulations. Is it because of their confidence in authoritarian leadership, which is anti-democratic? We should stop rewarding this type of policy, which appears to be the main focus for the Republicans. They wish to tell "the people": we know what's best for you, let us do our thing and it will trickle down (I see it as peeing on us).
I don't understand why people voted for the GOP in the first place, but then maybe the Democrats needed that shaking up. Boy oh boy there must be buyers remorse now. I also think that the no one really knew that the GOP/TEA party people would go this far..I mean to flout democracy??? How is that constitutional? The American Revolution was fought over representation, and what's happening in Michigan is most assuredly not representation.
In 2009, the Democratic majority got all but two of the 242 laws it passed to go immediately into effect after then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed them.
The next year, Granholm signed 383 laws passed by the House, 365 of which had an immediate-effect clause, Republicans said Friday.
In their suit, the Democrats contend the Republicans, who took over the House 15 months ago, have passed 546 of 566 bills with an immediate-effect clause attached.
Under previous practice, a law could take immediate effect without a recorded roll call if two-thirds of the House — or 73 of the 110 members — voted yes.
As the current majority, the Republican leadership has had its members simply rise to vote to give a law immediate effect, just as Democrats had done.
Then Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh, R-Livonia, typically would declare the immediate-effect clause passed.
State Rep. Kate Segal, the Democratic floor leader, on Friday said her party was just as guilty of not getting roll call votes as the Republicans are now.
"Both parties have taken advantage of the immediate effect and gotten away from the constitution," said Segal, D-Battle Creek.
Maddow implied that Republicans have been trampling on the constitution by using immediate effect so frequently, without noting the Democrats' regular use of the procedure during Gov. Granholm's tenure.
On Friday, Republican House staff members totaled up Democrats' use of the procedure in the last legislative session and released the numbers to the media.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120407/POLITICS02/204070340#ixzz1rMrUNrdb
I haven't seen the Michigan legislature website linked yet, so I thought I would provide that to help others try and decipher what has been happening in the Michigan legislature. These are pdfs on the Public Acts(bills that have passed the legislature, signed into law by governor, filed with secretary of state and been assigned public acts number) for each year from 1998-2012. They also indicate which public acts were given immediate effect.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28awwtxxem1ccfkvflh2v4ccv5%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=PublicActs
I'd like to know where the hell our Democratic House caucus has been. They are a good bunch, in general, but WTF. I ask that very question HERE.
It defies logic that a bill passed 54 to 52 could obtain a 2/3 majority that it take immediate effect. Without allowing a roll call to verify claims against, the GOP side can apparently make any claim they choose. If the court allows this procedure to stand it will essentially allow a totalitarian power grab to continue unabated.
In 2009, the Democratic majority got all but two of the 242 laws it passed to go immediately into effect after then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed them.
The next year, Granholm signed 383 laws passed by the House, 365 of which had an immediate-effect clause, Republicans said Friday.
In their suit, the Democrats contend the Republicans, who took over the House 15 months ago, have passed 546 of 566 bills with an immediate-effect clause attached.
Under previous practice, a law could take immediate effect without a recorded roll call if two-thirds of the House — or 73 of the 110 members — voted yes.
As the current majority, the Republican leadership has had its members simply rise to vote to give a law immediate effect, just as Democrats had done.
Then Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh, R-Livonia, typically would declare the immediate-effect clause passed.
State Rep. Kate Segal, the Democratic floor leader, on Friday said her party was just as guilty of not getting roll call votes as the Republicans are now.
"Both parties have taken advantage of the immediate effect and gotten away from the constitution," said Segal, D-Battle Creek.
Maddow implied that Republicans have been trampling on the constitution by using immediate effect so frequently, without noting the Democrats' regular use of the procedure during Gov. Granholm's tenure.
On Friday, Republican House staff members totaled up Democrats' use of the procedure in the last legislative session and released the numbers to the media.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120407/POLITICS02/204070340#ixzz1rMrUNrdb
Did the Democrats not have a 2/3 majority during those sessions?
Please make sure this gets mainstream attention. Please go on Meet the Press and Nightly News to expose what is happening. This breach of law and democracy is positively frightening and must be high-lit so that it does not spread to other states. I am deeply concerned about our low income communities, there voices and rights. This story is the hallmark of GOP extremeism, attacks on rights, and abuse of power that will sector the GOP into an extreme fringe party. This is huge and will mark a sea change in our political parties.
It's stories like this that make TRMS a news show that should be a model for all other news shows (no, not Fox, I said news shows). This is great and important reporting. The Michigan Republicans are a greater threat to American democracy than al Qaeda ever was. Please keep this story alive until the rest of the media can't ignore it any more.
The Republican Appeal, from April 4, 2012 was certainly interesting.
It claims that the Michigan State Constitution does not require a roll call vote for immediate effect, and that, anyway, the Democrats failed to demonstrate irreparable harm done by the Republicans (by not having those roll call votes).
The Appeal also claims that the Democrat's April 2, 2012 Temporary Injunction harms the Defendants (Republicans), as well as the public (by bringing this matter up in the courts, instead of allowing the Legislature to wrangle with it) more than the Plaintiff's (Democrats) were harmed by the Plaintiff's alleged actions.
Obfuscating the issue much?
Wow, that's some nerve they have. Obfuscating is their playbook. I, too, wonder what the Democrats are doing about this other than filing a lawsuit? Are they going on TV, are they rallying the people of Michigan around this issue?
Since both democrats and republicans are guilty, I would think all involved would gladly sweep it under the rug and start over. It is up to the press and we the people to keep a focus on this. Just wondering, if there is any violation of a law when an organized group of people deliberately violate their state constitution?
What I find amazing (not in a good way) is that not one of the Detroit newspapers have picked up this story or bothered to report on it or even acknowledge that this is going on. The Detroit Free Press use to be the left leaning paper, the Detroit News is the right leaning paper. WTF?
There are major radio and television stations around the state, yet no one has come forward to report on this political chicanery. I've lived in Michigan my entire life and have never been so disgusted and disheartened by what is going on in this state. The schools are being privatized at an alarming rate, cities and school districts are being taken over by "emergency managers," and the ALEC agenda is being implemented, full force.
Please keep reporting on this. It doesn't look like anyone else will.
I have yet to see anything on the Detroit Free Press website or in print, however I have at the very least seen an article about the judge granting the injunction by the Detroit News online. It's not getting huge coverage by either of them yet. Here's hoping that changes, or that they have a huge article in the works.
Indeed! And the reporters on the Detroit TV news shows that like to go out and dig up nasty political stuff and follow it thru? Where are they? Has Gannett silenced them all because it's the redumblicans that have taken over?
Pardon me while I go over and bang my head against the wall for 20 or 30 minutes. <sigh>
I am disheartened that the FREEP has been silent on this and mildly stunned the RNC Rag/Detroit News mentioned it. I may live out of state now but Michigan is my heart home, and to see what is become of it rips my heart out. Fight back Michigan, Fight Back!
Censorship. Money talks. I think the censorship can only be felt in the Republican States like Arizona.
I live in a liberal area, but the AM liberal talk radio station was bought by Clear Channel. The programming was changed drastically to right wing replacing liberal. So a version of censorship by ownership, aka money talking. We are being propagandized in subtle and non subtle ways.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Clear_Channel_Communications
I can see it now, conservative San Antonio Texas bigwigs chuckling over force feeding Glen Beck into Thom Hartmann's slot.
When I tagged Michigan Radio in the FB links, the news director and a freelance contributor provided this:
http://www.michiganradio.org/term/immediate-effect
And it pre-dates Rachel's scoop, they pointed out.
DetNews, DetFreep, MLive, not much yet.
Also I sent it to our travel bureau, the Pure Michigan folks, pointing out that some damage control will be needed.
(The PM campaign has been trimmed quite a bit, still struggles for funding, despite winning awards. http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/pure-michigan-tourism-campaign-wins-top-award-from-advertising-research-foundation-nyse-ipg-1416417.htm)
I noticed that Flint was on the list of towns that had been taken over by "emergency managers". Where is Michael Moore? He does not strike me as one to stand silently by while democracy is destroyed in his home town.
I have lived in Michigan my whole life too and have been outraged at the drastic, speedy changes happening in Lansing. I am an educator and we are helpless to stop whats happening! We're signing petitions and and calling reps to voice opposition, marching on the capital and still our voices are not being heard at all. Our public education system is being destroyed, our unions rendered useless and our paychecks slashed. Emergency managers are being put in place and our democracy is Being ignored. It's downright scary! Yes we care in Michigan, Rachel! Please, please, please continue to be our voice!!!
OK. There is precedent for the Republican action in Michigan. Under considered reluctance to being accused of raising Godwin's Law to soon, I must state that the Republicans seemingly are matching, although in a slower timeline, the politics of Germany from January 30 through March 30, 1933. Is the Immediate Effect law as currently being used, similar to the Enabling Law of March 23, 1933?
What is the majority religion of this GOP? Who is their major contributor? What religion was Hitler? What is the nationalities of these GOP? Then ask the same questions of their major contributors? Oh, how convenient we aren't allowed to see who is contributing to the Super-pacs? And who ok 'd the use of Super-pacs? Judges in favor of Large Corporations? Now ask the same questions of the Large Corporations? Are all CEO's American? What is the religion and nationality of all the CEO's? Is it a contagion? It is 1 of three things or all 3 things combined.Greed, prejudism or Egotism.4 things or Fascism which may be under the heading of prejudism.
There actually are dictators in Michigan. It is hard to imagine this has happened to several cities and towns. I would be very angry if it happened to my town.
This is something that truly deserves outrage.
This is describing a ...third world state...in America? How bad does it have to get before such a situation is brought back into US civilization? Why are American Citizens doing without such basic civilized living?
Well, early editions of Websters Dictionary include a definition of the word hillbilly as "a Michigan Farmer". Maybe, he meant a Michigan GOP politician.
This sounds like a cult.
Some people in the state have adopted the tag, Michissippi, if that tells you anything.
The Lansing reporter for Michigan Radio — an NPR affiliate — discussed the issue last weekend, and seemed to think there wasn't much to it:
http://michiganradio.org/post/michigans-democratic-lawmakers-cry-foul-over-how-republicans-are-counting-their-votes
The background is that "immediate effect" (and the uncounted standing vote) has been used for years by both parties when in power. But it's unclear from the story whether Republicans have been using the procedure more than usual, or whether it was only used with uncontroversial votes in the past.
Could you address the historical context in your coverage? Makes a difference if Michigan Republicans are only following a long, if unconstitutional, tradition.
Nice try, but your censorship doesn't work here. The jigs out of the bag. Are you sure you have the military behind you? Remember they did side with President Obama about the current military budget. Are you a member of the military?
I can't decide whether you're trolling, doing performance art, or just read with a paper bag over your head.
Of course it was reported on a weekend when fewer people listen to public radio. Sort of like the old Friday take-out-the-trash day news reporting. Stick it in where few will see it.
I'd like to see the numbers of immediate effect bills passed this year vs. the number in prior years. That would be telling.
Your comment appeared to me as though you were belittling the situation in Michigan. We have to stop sitting idly by while these extremist groups try to take over our country. Just because they are trying out their theory as if these cities were test sites for their agenda, this should not be ignored especially when they are censoring these citizens at the same time. This was for Stinqy.
In 2009, the Democratic majority got all but two of the 242 laws it passed to go immediately into effect after then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed them.
The next year, Granholm signed 383 laws passed by the House, 365 of which had an immediate-effect clause, Republicans said Friday.
In their suit, the Democrats contend the Republicans, who took over the House 15 months ago, have passed 546 of 566 bills with an immediate-effect clause attached.
Under previous practice, a law could take immediate effect without a recorded roll call if two-thirds of the House — or 73 of the 110 members — voted yes.
The GOP controls 63 seats in the House.
As the current majority, the Republican leadership has had its members simply rise to vote to give a law immediate effect, just as Democrats had done.
Then Speaker Pro Tem John Walsh, R-Livonia, typically would declare the immediate-effect clause passed.
When an immediate-effect clause is not tacked onto a bill, it can't become law until 90 days after the end of the session, or typically April 1 the following year.
On Monday, an Ingham County judge issued a temporary restraining order against Republicans, compelling them to recognize requests from the Democrats in the House for a recorded roll call on immediate-effect provisions.
State Rep. Kate Segal, the Democratic floor leader, on Friday said her party was just as guilty of not getting roll call votes as the Republicans are now.
"Both parties have taken advantage of the immediate effect and gotten away from the constitution," said Segal, D-Battle Creek.
"This practice has got to change."
Late Wednesday, Attorney General Bill Schuette appealed the Ingham County ruling to the Michigan Court of Appeals on behalf of the House Republicans.
MSNBC host Rachel Maddow highlighted the issue Thursday and its implications for controversial measures passed by the Legislature, such as a ban on graduate assistants unionizing and the emergency manager law.
Maddow implied that Republicans have been trampling on the constitution by using immediate effect so frequently, without noting the Democrats' regular use of the procedure during Gov. Granholm's tenure.
On Friday, Republican House staff members totaled up Democrats' use of the procedure in the last legislative session and released the numbers to the media.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120407/POLITICS02/204070340#ixzz1rMrUNrdb
Shumuwada: I was actually quite outraged when I watched the story Thursday night, and I don't outrage easily. But when I looked into it, there were hints that the local reporters didn't take it that seriously. I included the Michigan Radio link because as an NPR affiliate, you wouldn't expect them to spin the story for corporate or partisan purposes.
I believe the word "anachronism" was used, but I'd have to listen to the piece again.
That said, I don't consider it conclusive -- but it's an angle I think needs to be addressed. If "both sides do it", as appears to be the case, then you need to demonstrate that the way Republicans are doing it now is substantially different than the way Democrats have done it in the past. (Note the comparison to filibusters, which Senate Republicans have used far more frequently in recent years.)
Rachel's presenting the story as if this never happened before, a jaw-dropping example of Republican overreach. And that might still prove to be the case. But to make that point, you need to address the historical context of "immediate effect" clauses in Michigan: What's different this time?
MotorCityJan: Here's what I'm looking for: If the practice is common (as appears to be the case), has anybody objected to it in the past?
Specifically: That's a fun clip where the standing vote is declared passed in three seconds. But the Michigan Radio piece includes audio of a different standing vote, which also passes in three seconds -- but without objection.
So: Has everybody just let it slide in the past? Or can you find similar clips of Republicans shouting to be heard in previous Democratic-run sessions?
If you can demonstrate that this has never been done over the objections of the minority party, then you have a case, and I can find where I misplaced my outrage.
MotorCityJan: again? Show some imagination!
After watching this segment last nite, I emailed friends who live in MI asking what the heck is going on. Their reply was they felt everything was fine, that Snyder was doing a wonderful job of getting his things enacted. And yes, these folks are Republicans. I did ask if we come to visit this summer, will we need passports & when are they going to secede from the USA. No comment on that. They live in a rural area in the northern part of the state so I'm guessing the ER manager thing hasn't come to a neighborhood near them-yet.
Nice try but your censorship doesn't work here. What religion are you?
Here is another bombshell. Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution says, "The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a Republican form of government." "A Republican form of government" means a public, open, democratic and representative form of government. Why isn't the Justice Department doing anything about this? Actually, why isn't President Obama calling out the national guard to shut down the Michigan legislature and every city government in that state under the rule of autocratic emergency city managers?
I am appalled with this and even question how this is viewed as acceptable tactics, even by Republicans. Abuse of power.
There have been past examples by Republicans that take a situation and frame it as an emergency, so they can circumvent the constitutional procedures.
Then add the highly questionable counting of votes for super majority.
Not good for democracy.
I'm sure the FBI is investigating this as we speak. They really need to get to the bottom of this.
As an native-born Michiganian, my chin has hit the floor. How did the Democrats allow this disgrace to go on without alerting the people? The state of Michigan has a constitution yet the GOP has been able to operate for the past year without check and balances and it took Rachel Maddow to expose it.
I don't think they realize what kind of demon they're up against.
The federal level steps in when cities, communities or municipalities are caught in election fraud. I ask why the Feds do not step in when this must clearly violate constitutional law. The will of the people through the elective process has clearly been violated!
Who can declare it a State of Emergency? How about Janet Napolitano? This may breech some security issues. There obviously is censorship going on not many around them know what's going on..
Michigan Millie's first comment is what hits me again and again as I review this: what are the stats for the (mis-)use of "immediate effect" in the Michigan legislature before it became a Republican quasi-monolith? I echo the incredulity of Rachel and other bloggers at the coarseness of this fraud upon the citizens of Michigan -- and at the silence of other media sources after learning of this. Rachel, I'm a scientist, and I need to see data: use the data as you have done before so well, as you and Chris (and, of course, Ezra) know how to do. Please don't let those who would silence this issue hand-wave it away as a "nothing happening here, just those liberal MSM types lying to us again", one media cycle issue. Please do what you can to elevate this to the level of attention it deserves -- the red lights and sirens. So many data, so little time.
I agree.
This was really flat out amazing, and shocking meanwhile disturbing. When the numbers don't even add up? Are they assuming since they're not allowing the minority-D to vote, that this automatically means that they have the 2/3s vote? What is happening to our Republic, this is a mockery of our democracy. How much of a recall effort is underway now? This is enough of an assault on democracy to cause, unfortunately, riots! It's so shocking that the general public is probably going to be in utter disbelief too!
We need to add an amendment to fast-track absurdities as such, directly to the Supreme court. I understand there are hurdles, but sometimes, be it the President or the Senate should be able to vote on something like this kind of over-reach to fast-track a case like this to our Supreme court!
I almost don't believe this is happening!
PS. Looking forward to your Kansas visit at the uptown! Really, thank you for all that you cover in the news, as well as your amazing book!
Can the citizens of this town be considered prisoners?
I made some calls to the Washington DOJ Office this morning. I was told to contact the US Attorney General in Michigan. This would fall under their pervue.
The woman who I spoke to in the office there said she had NOT heard about the Maddow story from the night before. This seemed rather shocking to me..?
Feel free to call them from this link. Ask them some questions.
http://t.co/478x5oQD
(616) 456-2404
It's kind of ironic that the Republicans are the ones denying a "Republican" form of government to Michiganers.
These are not your normal Republicans. We need to find out what they all have in common. Are there any African Americans in this group? I don't think the people in the surrounding cities have a clue as to what's going on or if it's even legal? Somebody's pulling the wool over somebodys's eyes. Are there any senior Republicans on board in this town? Is their governor a Republican? Is he part of the Fox (murdock deal)? I thought I heard that he worked for Fox..
ALEC is what they have in common.
I would not doubt the Koch Brothers are involved in this mess. Those people need to be investigated. They do not appear to be American. They have made their money off the backs of US citizens and you see their products in every store so they are still making their living off of Americans but they are trying to destroy the United States of America. The most damaging is they have governors of these states as their surrogates and it is working. I believe the Koch Brothers and ALEC will not be satisfied until this country is in a Revolution again.
It must surely be the GOP plan to fool the masses by pushing your emotional buttons to oust unions, keep the rheteric up on contraception issues and claim government is spending us into oblivian, all to end the checks and balances of the power they so have at hand. Just remember people, power demands more power until it has absolute power. Don't let them fool you into giving up your elective rights as a citizen as it may be the final nail in the coffin for Democracy.
I think this may be the final nail in the republican party coffin.
Please continue the push until the nation listens. I have never felt as powerless to have a say as I have the last two years. The FREEP did have an interesting POV piece by Brian Dickerson on page 20A of their Sunday, April 1, 2012 paper. It speaks of a real estate developer, a piece of property (mall), upside-down mortgage, foreclosure, and the Republicans passing legislation to retroactively excuse him of his mortgage. I hope more can be done than just acknowledging that these issues are happening. Can these bills that have been passed outside the rules expressed in our state's constitution be overturned because of this misconduct or will the Republicans be able to just say, "Sorry."...with their fingers crossed behind their backs, of course.
This has been gradual in some states but, it is becoming stronger and stronger I think they are trying to do as much damage as they can before their ousted. They seem to be in a pretty big hurry. Imagine having no contact with the outside world as far as news. Imagine not being able to contact anybody outside of your state. Imagine coming home and finding that everything on TV was recorded as far as news. Imagine Channel 12 news being replaced by another news show. This is what I experienced today after work. I was so relieved to see that Ed was live but, I listened real attentively to him to make sure he wasn't being censored. I'm still pretty shook up. So, the people in this town are starting to get through to the outside, this is how I see it.