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House GOP Leader introduces resolution to compel power-sharing agreement

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan House Republican Leader Matt Hall (of Richland Township) has introduced a resolution to compel a power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans.

Two Democratic lawmakers near Detroit won mayoral elections in their respective jurisdictions last week, meaning they will have to vacate their seats in the House. That means there will be a 54-54 split between Republicans and Democrats. Hall’s resolution would require the House of Representatives to approve a power-sharing agreement, if the House has an equal number of Democrats and Republicans at any time. The caucus leaders would negotiate an agreement, which would then require approval by a majority of representatives.

A power-sharing agreement could be ended at any time by a majority of the House in a record roll call vote. Hall suggested the negotiated agreement might, for example, provide for equal representation on committees to reflect the bipartisan balance in the House.

State Representative Greg Van Woerkom, R- Norton Shores, said on West Michigan's Morning News earlier this week that Democratic leaders have seemed reluctant to share power now that there will be a split House for a few months.

"It doesn't sound like the Democrats believe there is shared power and are going to share the gavel. It's a new dynamic. In fact, they pretty much picked up their marbles and left for the year," Van Woerkom said, regarding the decision to end this year's legislative session.

State Rep. Kevin Coleman won the mayor's race in Westland and Representative Lori Stone won in Warren.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will have to call special elections to fill the two House seats that are being vacated.

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