Snyder Still Has Leverage To Get Stuff Done in 2018
Will the term-limited governor use that leverage to try and improve Michigan’s infrastructure and environment?
Gov. Rick Snyder spent the past week rolling out a series of new policy proposals he hopes to get done in 2018.
The governor wants to expand broadband internet access across Michigan, block the entry of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes, increase dumping fees for Michigan’s landfills, improve recycling, and add five dollars a year to water customers’ bills to help pay for improved water infrastructure.
Most of these proposals are tough sells for Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature.
Many lawmakers have opposed similar initiatives in the past.
But WDET’s Jake Neher and Michigan Public Radio’s Cheyna Roth say the governor still has leverage to try to get some of his measures across the finish line.
“The Legislature has also put forward some things that they want to get done, and those are some things that the governor hasn’t been on board with,” says Roth. “So now…they’re all in a place where they can start to bargain.”
“Let’s not forget that the governor has the veto power,” notes Neher. “He’s the single person that can stop a bill in its tracks…This is something that he can absolutely threaten with big priorities of Republican leaders in the Legislature, (many) of which are running for statewide office in 2018.”
Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.
