Mackinac Policy Conference: Rep. Donna Lasinski on bipartisan success in state government

Representatives must show unity to pass legislation, but this is undermined by term limits, according to the state Democratic leader.

Widening pre-school access is an example of bipartisan success in the Michigan State Senate, according to Democratic Minority Leader, Rep. Donna Lasinski. The economic development package is another example, which aims to make Michigan more attractive to businesses looking to expand operations in the state.

But some feel that that term limits for state representatives are a road block standing in the way of passing bipartisan legislation. There are those in Lansing who feel this is especially true when it comes to acting on topics that aren’t as mainstream.

“We need to figure out a way for us to come together around Michigan’s future and be united,” — Rep. Donna Lasinski (D-Dexter)


Listen: Rep. Lasinski on how state representatives can pass legislation in today’s political climate.

 


Guest

Rep. Donna Lasinski is term-limited, meaning she will no longer represent Michigan’s 52 House District after January 1, 2023. With such a high turnover due to term limits, Lasinski says it puts lobbyists in a place where they hold more institutional knowledge than people working directly in government.

“You start to get to meet your colleagues, and then all of a sudden 12-13 months later you’re back into campaign season,” says Lisinski, “and a third to a half of your colleagues now leave the chamber, a whole new set come in that you have to form relationships with, and then that happens one more time and you’re out.”

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