Democratic leaders set agenda for most-productive Michigan legislative session

Following the election that gave Democrats a trifecta in Lansing, new leaders are set to take control of both chambers in January. Sen. Darrin Camilleri of Trenton was chosen as Senate Majority Leader, succeeding Winnie Brinks, who was elected lieutenant governor. Rep. Ranjeev Puri of Canton will continue as Speaker of the House, having already led House Democrats.

Camilleri and Puri stated their goal is to lower the cost of living and address problems affecting working people. Camilleri succeeds Sen. Winnie Brinks, while Sen. Kevin Hertel of St. Clair Shores replaces the retiring Sam Singh as Majority Floor Leader. In the House, Democrats also elected Laurie Pohutsky as Speaker Pro Tempore and John Fitzgerald as Majority Floor Leader.

Republicans selected Rep. Tom Kunse of Clare as the new House Minority Leader after an upset defeat of sitting Speaker Matt Hall. Senate Republicans chose Sen. Roger Hauck of Mt. Pleasant as their leader. Both parties emphasized bipartisanship, with Hauck highlighting education, affordable housing, and healthcare transparency as key priorities.

Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson met with lawmakers in the capitol to set the agenda for the upcoming term. She encouraged the new leadership to be bold in achieving their vision for the state. The current holders of the top legislative jobs will remain in place until inauguration day in January.

Read the full story at WWMT.