Legislation that would change the way lawsuits filed against the state are handled is headed to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk.
As The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher reports, Democrats say it’s a political power grab by the GOP.
The bill would move the Michigan Court of Claims out of the Ingham County Circuit Court. The county leans Democratic, and the court has ruled against Republicans on big issues in the past. Democrats like Representative Sam Singh blasted the legislation when it came up for a vote on the House floor.
“I have to believe that this is all about politics,” he said. “And it’s not about getting the voice of the people, and that’s a shame.”
But Republicans say one county should not be able to decide cases that affect the entire state. They say making it a division of the state Court of Appeals would also make it easier for people to have their grievances heard.
Governor Rick Snyder is expected to sign the legislation.