Can Michigan Expect Legislative Fall-Out Over Courser/Gamrat Affair?

Probably, and the increased potential for the lack of a deal on roads is where it will hit Michigan the hardest. If Courser and Gamrat truly care about fiscal responsibility, they will resign now, and spare taxpayers the time and money wasted on an investigation into the obvious, diverting attention from truly critical issues.

When the Michigan House reconvenes in a few days time, there’s little doubt that Representative Todd Courser (R-82), and his partner in crime, Cindy Gamrat (R-80) will be treated as personae non grata by their fellow lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. While they may still technically hold office, it’s reasonable to assume you can stick a fork in their political careers. But the show ain’t over, not yet.

Zachery Gorchow, editor at Gongwer News Service, warns that the scandal and its investigation will consume the House to the extent that lawmaking may come to a full stop, which, from the Progressive perspective, may not seem such a bad thing — except for roads. Gorchow blogged this week about the difficulties House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-99) can expect to face as he tries to keep his house in order:

“Mr. Cotter gamely insisted today that he still is working on a solution for road funding, but the Courser/Gamrat situation is not just a distraction, it is going to completely consume the House’s time and attention until resolved, whether resolution means they resign, are expelled, survive an expulsion proceeding or nothing happens at all.” “It is too soon to say whether the House will open an expulsion proceeding on the two legislators. But if one does take place, it will be a spectacle, presumably involving committee hearings making the case for removal.”

Beyond Roads — What Other Legislation Will be Impacted?

It’s not just roads, all pending legislation, including that sponsored by Courser and Gamrat, is doomed to sit it out, stuck in committee for the duration of 2015. (Huzzah!!) Yet, the scandalous Tea Party twosome may find some other lawmaker to step-up and carry their battle flag — Rep. Gary Glenn (R-98) comes to mind.

The following is a list of proposals Courser and Gamrat introduced, frequently as a couple — 28 in all. Democracy Tree readers will be happy to see most of this legislation shelved, however, there are actually some meaningful Progressive proposals that could stand a second look. Courser had rotten luck selling most of his handiwork to anyone other than his illicit squeeze, but that was not the case for Gamrat — her legislation garnered more support, albeit mostly of the Tea Party variety. Currently, every last piece of legislation proposed by the scandal-plagued lawmakers during their short time in office remains locked in committee — where they’ll stay as long as their blacklisted names have top billing.

Courser’s proposals:

HJR Z — (7-14-15) Co-sponsored by Gamrat. A joint resolution to amend the state constitution to prohibit the state from establishing a healthcare benefit exchange.

HB 4174 — (2-10-15) Co-sponsored by Gamrat. A bill to allow direct sales from breweries and winemakers to customers.

HB 4194 — (2-12-15) Co-sponsored by Gamrat. A bill to defund the Michigan Economic Development Authority to end certain types of “corporate welfare.”

HB 4252 — (2-26-15) No co-sponsors. A bill to repeal a law making it a crime to open a gas station in a densely populated residential area without gaining proper authority.

HB 4317 and 4318 — (3-10-15) Co-sponsored by Gamrat. Bills to restructure gas and diesel taxes from a flat tax to a phased-in percentage.

HB 4339 and HB 4340 — (3-12-15) Co-sponsored with Gamrat. Bills to eliminate the pistol entry database.

HB 4380 — (3-24-15) Co-sponsored with Gamrat and five others. A bill to eliminate the straight party ticket option on Michigan ballots.

HB 4731, 4732 and 4733 — (6-17-15) Co-sponsored with Gamrat. A package of bills to repeal Michigan’s marriage license requirement, to empower only clergy to “solemnize” marriage, and make a provision for “common law” marriages.

Gamrat’s proposals:

HJR J — (3-5-15) Co-sponsored by Courser and 12 others. A resolution to impose a 5-year sunset rule on regulations imposed by the state. A two-thirds legislative majority would be needed to keep the rule in effect.

HJR T — (6-17-15) Co-sponsored by Courser. A resolution to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to prohibit the state from assessing income taxes on individuals and businesses.

HB 4279 — (3-4-15) Co-sponsored by Courser and four others. A so-called “personhood” bill to define fetuses as “individuals.”

HB 4309 — (3-5-15) Co-sponsored by Courser and five others. A so-called “religious freedom” bill for healthcare payers, facilities, and providers allowing them to deny service on religious grounds. (Not to be confused with the failed attempt at a broader Religious Freedom Restoration Act in December of 2014, nor the recently enacted law that allows adoption agencies to discriminate based on religious convictions. Expect to see more of this brand of legislation designed to discriminate.)

HB 4310 — (3-6-15) Co-sponsored by Courser and two others. A bill to revise the presidential electoral process to eliminate the current “winner take all” system, allowing delegates to vote along district lines. If enacted, Michigan would lose considerable stature in presidential elections.

HB 4619 — (5-19-15) Co-sponsored by Courser and two others. A bill to ban the state from doing business with any company that participates in collecting “metadata” without informed consent.

HB 4728 and 4729 — (6-17-15) Co-sponsored with Courser. Bills to repeal the Certificate of Need program, which regulates to promote equal access to quality healthcare in the state.

HB 4730 — (6-17-15) Co-sponsored by Courser. A bill to repeal the remaining sections of the Michigan Business Tax that were left on the books for the purpose of providing approximately $9 billion in corporate tax subsidies.

HB 4772 through 4778 — (7-14-15) No co-sponsors. A package of bills intended to repeal the registration and permitting of firearms, and to allow all open and concealed carry.

As the sex scandal was breaking last week, Courser and Gamrat attempted to deflect the media fallout by announcing Anti-Choice legislation in the wake of the Planned Parenthood tapes. Probably safe to say — that ain’t gonna happen now.

Amy Kerr Hardin