November’s election was disappointing on many fronts but it also has resulted in new calls for principled leadership throughout the State House and Senate to ensure friends of the Merit Shop right their course in time to tackle the electoral challenges that we will face in 2010.
Although 70 percent of the ABC endorsed candidates for the legislature won their elections, there were some setbacks. In the state legislature, the Democrats increased their majority by ousting republican candidates in traditionally close seats, primarily in southeastern Michigan.
The balance of power for the Michigan Supreme Court also shifted following the stunning loss of Chief Justice Cliff Taylor. The high court now will shift to a 4-3 activist majority.
Despite the disappointing outcome of several state level races, the real test for Michigan is still two years out. Control of the Senate, House and Governorship remain for the next two years what it has been for the previous two years. In 2010, however, the stage is set for the most important election in state history. 2010 will truly be a watershed year in Michigan. Here are the stakes:
- In 2010, for the first time in state history and due to term limits, 31 of 38 State Senate seats will be open seats. Currently we have a narrow two seat majority. This could easily be overturned.
- In the state house, because of term limits and due to the unprecedented turnover in the Senate, at least one-third to one-half of all 110 State House seats could be open seats.
- In 2010 the Attorney General’s and Secretary of State’s seat will open up. This will be a tight race.
- In 2010 Governorship will open up. This will also be a tight race.
Indeed, 2010 has all of state government on the line and ABC is already working to defend and advance the free enterprise philosophy at every level.
Appearing before the House Regulatory Reform Committee, ABC of Michigan President Chris Fisher laid out ABC’s position in opposition to House Bill 6353 (HB 6353) that would mandate the licensure of sprinkler fitters and installers. This would be in addition to Forbes Mechanical Contractors Act requirements that already licenses sprinkler and fire suppression contractors.
In addition to arguing that new sprinkler installation licensure mandates that are not needed due to current contractor licensing that is already required, Fisher also pointed to Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth conclusions that the state building code already protects the public health, safety, and welfare.
“Indeed, there is nothing that this bill guarantees that is not already guaranteed through the building code,” Fisher told members of the committee as well as the entire house in a memo later delivered to all 110 members of the House of Representatives.
ABC also explained that HB 6353 essentially serves as a new tax on the building and construction industries by requiring new and unfounded fees on businesses. “In an already poor economy, this would leave builders and contractors in Michigan struggling and being forced to incur additional cost and fee increases that will threaten jobs, hurt businesses and worsen our state economy,” Fisher concluded.
The House Republicans and the Senate Democrats elected new leadership following the elections. The Senate Democrats elected Senator Prusi (D-Ishpeming) to head their caucus while the House Republicans elected Representative Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) to head their caucus.
Both individuals reside in northern Michigan with Prusi being the first person from the Upper Peninsula to head a legislative caucus in more than 30 years.
A former mine worker, Mr. Prusi attended Lansing Community College and Northern Michigan University and was a local president with the Steelworkers union.
Meanwhile Elsenheimer is a former prosecutor and has sponsored or co-sponsored many key bills for ABC including legislation that would prohibit union-only project labor agreements (PLAs).