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Michigan unions demand court action to force Republican Speaker Matt Hall to present pro-worker legislation to Governor Whitmer, citing constitutional violations.
Michigan Labor Groups Sue Speaker Matt Hall Over Blocked Bills
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s labor movement is taking legal action against Republican House Speaker Matt Hall, accusing him of violating the state constitution by withholding critical pro-worker legislation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and backed by major labor organizations, seeks to force Hall to transmit bills that have already passed both chambers of the legislature.
Labor Unions Say Hall Is Holding Pro-Worker Bills Hostage
The lawsuit, supported by AFSCME Michigan, AFT Michigan, MEA, MNA, UAW, and SEIU Michigan, alleges that Speaker Hall is refusing to present nine bills to the governor, despite their successful passage in both the House and Senate. These bills, numbered 4177, 4665–4667, 4900–4901, 5817–5818, and 6058, include protections for workers’ wages, pensions, and legal rights, directly impacting nearly one million Michiganders.
“The Constitution is clear: all passed bills must go to the governor,” said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Speaker Hall is playing king instead of following the law.”
Court Case Aims to End Political Obstruction
The legal challenge asserts that Hall’s actions constitute an unconstitutional obstruction of the legislative process. Michigan’s Constitution mandates that any bill passed by both chambers must be sent to the governor for approval or veto.
“This is not just a political maneuver—this is a direct attack on Michigan’s working families,” Bieber continued. “Every day these bills are stalled, workers lose out on healthcare, fair wages, and pension protections.”
Among the labor-backed bills caught in limbo are proposals that would lower healthcare costs for public employees, secure retirement for public safety professionals, and prevent debt collectors from seizing unemployment benefits and tax credits.
Workers and Unions Say Hall’s Delay Hurts Michigan Families
Michigan labor leaders argue that the stalled bills would provide urgent relief to public employees, teachers, and corrections officers, many of whom face rising costs and worsening job conditions.
“Our corrections officers are stretched to their limits. These pension reforms offer real solutions to recruitment and retention issues,” said Ray Sholtz, Executive Director of the Michigan Corrections Organization. “Speaker Hall is playing political games with officers’ futures.”
Similarly, Terrence Martin, President of AFT Michigan, criticized Hall’s inaction as harmful to educators:
“Teachers and school staff are drowning in rising healthcare costs. This legislation is their lifeline, and it’s unacceptable for Speaker Hall to block it.”
Legal Experts Warn of Constitutional Crisis
Legal analysts argue that Hall’s refusal to transmit the bills to Governor Whitmer could set a dangerous precedent. If allowed to continue, critics say it would undermine the entire legislative process, allowing partisan leaders to stall bills indefinitely.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about upholding the rule of law,” said Senator Winnie Brinks. “Speaker Hall does not have the power to override the Michigan Constitution. We’re taking this to court to ensure laws are followed, not ignored.”
What’s Next for Michigan Workers?
The Michigan Court of Claims is set to hear the case in the coming weeks. If the court rules against Hall, he will be compelled to immediately transmit the bills to Governor Whitmer. A decision in favor of the labor groups would reinforce legislative transparency and uphold Michigan’s constitutional process.
Bieber made it clear that labor leaders aren’t backing down: “If Speaker Hall won’t follow the law, we will make sure the courts force him to. Workers deserve justice, and they deserve it now.”
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