Michigan’s GOP-led legislature votes to increase its power ahead of Dem takeover

Michigan’s Republican-controlled legislature voted Thursday to give the party power to intervene in court cases ahead of a Democratic takeover of the government, according to the Associated Press.

The bill passed the state senate by a 26 to 12 margin, almost entirely on party lines. It will now be sent to Gov. Rick Snyder (R) after a final vote from the House in the last hours of the legislative session.

The right to intervene in court cases is currently reserved for the state attorney general, leading many to say that the bill was designed to undercut Dana Nessel, the Democrat who will assume the post in 2019.

“This is an intentional effort to undermine the role of the attorney general’s office,” Sen. Steve Bieda (D) said per AP, adding it would let lawmakers “butt in places that quite frankly they don’t belong. … Founding fathers are rolling over in their graves right now.”

Republicans countered that it would ensure the legislative branch has a voice as courts see more laws being charged.

Snyder currently also has a bill on his desk that would limit Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) ability to implement regulations, including environmental ones.

Republicans in the state dropped an attempt to strip power from the incoming secretary of state this week.