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Capitol Prepares For RTW Votes

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At the state Capitol, Democrats are preparing their last-ditch effort to slow or stop legislation that would make Michigan the 24th so-called “right-to-work” state.  

Republicans in the state House are expected to send the legislation to Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday.

Thousands of demonstrators are expected to turn out at the Capitol.

Democrats in the Legislature say if “right-to-work” is such a good idea, it should be put up for a hearing or a public vote. They say it’s wrong to take up such a controversial issue after the election and before the new Legislature is sworn in next year.       

State Representative Tim Greimel is the new House Democratic leader.

"The Republicans know if they wait until next year, they won’t have the votes to pass this thing,” he says.

Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger says the issue has been talked about for years. 

“They clearly will do anything they can to slow this down because they want to stop it,” he counters.

He says no hearings are necessary—and neither is a statewide vote.

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Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.