Headlines

Michigan House Takes Key Votes Before Aug. Primary

Posted: 6:00 AM Jun 16, 2012
Reporter: AP

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Lawmakers in the Michigan House are home after tackling some big issues, such as tax cuts and anti-abortion legislation. The Senate is choosing to let those issues ripen a bit more.

Republicans set the agenda in both chambers because they're in the majority. But the pace lately has been faster in the House where lawmakers facing re-election have passed several key bills ahead of the August primary when some face opponents in new districts.

In just days, the House pushed through legislation that requires a doctor or assistant to screen patients to ensure they aren't being coerced into ending their pregnancies. Another bill would cut the income tax rate to 3.9 percent by 2018. Lawmakers endorsed drug tests for some welfare recipients.

The Senate will wait to consider the bills.