Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Michigan State Legislature's Lame Duck Session

Statement

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released the following statement on the lame duck session of the Michigan Legislature, where Republicans are pushing legislation to limit the powers of incoming democratically-elected officeholders, as well as actions to limit the use of science when cleaning up toxic chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS):

"This 11th hour power grab by Republicans in the lame duck legislature is an absolute disgrace. Having lost at the ballot box in the last election, Republicans in the Michigan Legislature are pushing legislation that seeks to overturn the will of the voters and protect special interests.

"Republicans have introduced legislation to obstruct ballot proposals overwhelmingly passed by Michiganders, including voter-passed laws to legalize marijuana, ensure fair political maps, and expand access to the ballot box. If Republicans have their way, they will cancel wage increases for Michigan workers and take away paid sick leave benefits for families. This extreme Republican power grab would also severely undermine the power of the newly-elected Attorney General and Secretary of State.

"One bill would also restrict the state from considering scientific studies when addressing toxic PFAS chemicals. Ignoring science will jeopardize public health and hurt progress in cleaning up PFAS contamination around the state. The science shows that these chemicals are harmful to humans and we need to be doing everything we can to expedite remediation.

"We must do everything we can to stop this blatant abuse of power. Governor Snyder should veto these bills."

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