Transmit passed legislation to governor as constitutionally required

The Senate Democratic majority is suing the House Republican majority over nine bills that were approved last year but have not been sent to the governor as required by the Michigan Constitution. This standoff is holding up important legislation on issues like placing correction officers in the state police pension system, requiring governments to pay a larger share of public employee health care premiums, exempting public assistance from debt collection, and allowing Detroit museums to pursue a millage. The constitution clearly states that every bill passed by the Legislature must be presented to the governor, who then has 14 days to sign or veto it. Refusing to transmit duly passed bills is a dereliction of constitutional duties by the House majority. This obstructionism is unacceptable, as it blocks the democratic process from proceeding. For the sake of upholding the rule of law and the legislative process enshrined in our state's governing document, the previously approved bills must be promptly sent to the governor's desk. Holding this routine transmittal hostage to perceived political calculations undermines trust in government institutions. The people's representatives should move swiftly to resolve this impasse and let the governor exercise her lawful authority to review and act on this legislation.