Session Opens

The 2013-2014 legislative session opened Wednesday with the swearing-in of the 28 new members of the House of Representatives and the re-election of the Speaker of the House Jase Bolger (R-Marshall).

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young, Jr. administered the oath of office to the present House members. The 28 total freshmen included Representatives Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) and Sarah Roberts (D-St.Clair Shores), both of whom had previously served, however, had lost re-election bids in 2010.

After a bit of speculation with regard to the Democratic Caucus potentially departing from tradition and voting against Speaker Bolger en mass, little drama actually took place as the Speaker was nominated by a Republican colleague (Representative Andrea LaFontaine of Columbus Township) and House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) delivered the seconding speech.

The Speaker received 107 supporting votes as two Democratic House members did not vote for Speaker Bolger in the election, Representatives Doug Geiss (D-Taylor) and Dian Slavens (D-Canton Township). Representative Greg MacMaster (R-Kewadin) was not present due to a family illness.

In a bit of a rare event, Representative Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) cast the lone vote in opposition to re-electing House Clerk Gary Randall, who handily won.

Banks Seated Without Incident

State Representative Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods), elected to represent the citizens of Michigan’s 1^st House District, was seated in the House of Representatives with no objection from Republican members. Although a member has not been denied a seat after being elected since 1965, Mr. Banks’ multiple felony convictions related to financial fraud had caused considerable speculation that House Republicans might contest his seating.

Olumba Addresses Campaign Finance Issues, Takes Seat

State Representative John Olumba (D-Detroit) took care of $4,000 owed to the Secretary of State associated with late filings of four reports and the post-election compliance statement shortly after noon Wednesday and was ultimately sworn-in separately from the other House members due to his late arrival.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, January 11, 2013 10:46 AM
LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE

This Week's Newsletter

Past Newsletters