UPPER MICHIGAN (WLUC) – The Michigan House and Senate have has now entered a lame duck period after last week’s election.

Both sides will try to make the most of the session before the new legislature takes over, with Republicans holding the majority in the House.

Michigan’s 103rd State Legislature is scheduled to take office on January 1, 2025. However, State Senator Ed McBroom, (R) of the 38th District, believes there could still be more activity in both rooms within a month and a half.

“This could be a whirlwind, a storm of partisan issues that Democrats want to see resolved before they fall short of a majority in the House. That’s a possibility,” said Senator McBroom.

The House will soon move from 56-54 Democratic control to a 58-52 Republican advantage. State Rep. David Prestin, R, 108th District, said this presents an opportunity for Democrats to make final pushes on issues such as minimum wage, sick leave and public records .

“We’re not in a position to set the agenda yet, they are,” Prestin said. “I hope we establish a positive agenda and not, I suppose, a disingenuous agenda that is really just a wish list instead of what really needs to be done.”

Sen. McBroom, however, is optimistic that lawmakers will work to resolve bipartisan issues.

“We need to get the Copperwood project done on the western edge of the U.P.., they are waiting for a finalized vote on this to get this going and hopefully prioritize some sort of solution to the UP energy situation,” said Senator McBroom.

Meanwhile, Sen. McBroom and Rep. Prestin are focused on what comes next with a divided state government.

“It creates a check on one party rule and ultimately the things that are going to succeed and the things that are going to pass are the things that everyone can come to agreement on,” Rep. Prestin said.

TV6 emailed outgoing State Rep. Jenn Hill, (D) 109th District, for an interview. We also reached out to the House Speaker Pro Tem and the state’s top prosecutor, but neither responded to our request for comment.

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