Senate Republicans Reject Spending Cuts
Republicans in the Michigan Senate voted today to reject Executive Order 2007-1, which was issued by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) to help reduce Michigan's budget deficit. Unfortunately, they did not offer any of their own ideas as to how the Great Lakes State should deal with its lingering fiscal problems.
I can't say that I am surprised by today's development in the Michigan Senate. Republicans in Lansing have long used the strategy of stone-walling the work of others, rather than try to put forward their own agenda.
The question of the day is: how will Ms. Granholm respond?
During last year's gubernatorial campaign, she said that she would be more willing to play hard ball with Republicans in the Michigan Legislature. This is something that she has been extremely reluctant to do in the past. Will she start doing it now is ultimately the question for her to answer.
I would go so far as to argue that today's move to block Executive Order 2007-1 was nothing more than a test, served up by Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-12, Rochester Hills), to see if she is truly serious about moving her legislative agenda forward. If Ms. Granholm fails this test, we can expect to see an endless series of moves like the one today for the next two years.
The proverbial ball is in the Governor's court.
Does she start by canceling a few road projects in Republican districts or another hard ball move? Or does she resort to taking her case to the people of Michigan in hopes that it will persuade legislative Republicans to change their minds?
The ball is in Ms. Granholm's court. We will soon know for certain. She has up to 30 days in which to issue a replacement for Executive Order 2007-1.
