Two Senate Republicans stripped of leadership, committee assignments for delaying tax vote

LAINA G. STEBBINS - FEBRUARY 20, 2023 2:06 PM

Following an unusual procedural move from Senate Republicans to push back against Democrats’ now-passed tax relief plan earlier this month, Democratic leadership came back last week with punitive measures for two of the Republicans involved — plus a potential rule change that could help the new majority skirt around the chamber’s immediate effect rule.

Democrats found their vote on the tax plan delayed by a week when Republicans adjourned the Senate early in a surprise move on Feb. 7, before the upper chamber was able to cast votes.

Following through on her promise to have an “appropriate response” to the GOP’s procedural maneuver, several measures from Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) on Thursday stripped Senate Minority Floor Leader Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway) and state Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) of certain leadership powers. Both had been involved in the delay tactics over House Bill 4001.

Senate Resolution 11 makes a single amendment to the standing rules of the Michigan Senate to eliminate the associate president pro tempore position completely. Bellino had previously held the position, which had made him the fourth-highest ranking member of the Senate.

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