This week in Michigan politics, Jack Lessenberry and Emily Fox discuss the state Senate's failure to expand Medicaid before summer recess, howstates will be affectedby the Voting Rights Act, and legislation in Lansing to re-consider the state's outlaw on same-sex marriage.
No Medicaid expansion
The Michigan Senate has entered summer recess without voting on Medicaid expansion. Governor Rick Snyder could call a special session for the Senators to return to Lansing for a vote, but Jack Lessenberry doesn't think he will do that. The governor is now looking to get the bill passed in the fall.
Voting Rights Act
Part of the Voting Rights Act was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday. It effectively frees nine states to change their election laws without advance federal approval. This could also affect elections in two Michigan municipalities. Minorities and those who feel they have been discriminated against disagree with the ruling. They believe racial minorities continue to face barriers to voting in states with a history of discrimination and the law for federal regulation is still necessary.
Same-sex marriage outlaw
Democrats have proposed legislation in Lansing to let voters re-consider the state's outlaw of same-sex marriage. A constitutional amendment was passed in Michigan in 2004 which made it unconstitutional to recognize or perform same-sex marriages. Another amendment, which is required to reverse the law, is virtually inconceivable without support from Republicans in the legislature.
- Erica Decker, Michigan Radio Newsroom
