Lame Duck, Why So Divisive?

Lame duck.  The time after the elections before the new Legislature takes office.  A time when outgoing elected officials have minimal accountability.  A time when public policymaking can be particularly active – whether for good or for bad.  This lame duck session is marked by little progress in Congress and serious divisiveness in both Congress and the Michigan Legislature.  What gives?

First, on Capitol Hill, Congress must decide how to handle the pending federal “fiscal cliff” before tax cuts expire and automatic spending cuts take place – a fiscal disaster.  While media continue to cover the discussions taking place, a pragmatic solution for the lame duck would be to pass a temporary extension of the tax cuts and delay sequestration (the automatic spending cuts) to allow the new Congress – a Congress that will  face political ramification if an approach isn’t taken that satisfies both sides of the aisle – to tackle the fiscal debate in the new year.  While this is likely to occur, the political battle currently underway will continue to jeopardize the public’s approval of Congress during a time when everyone must come together to identify the best possible fiscal solution for the nation.

Here in Lansing, the lame duck has been extremely active pushing through legislation that is hugely divisive.  Right to Work, Personal Property Tax, Emergency Manager law, and education reform.  Whatever your position on these various policies, the reality is that they further divide the state during a time when we need to come together to do what’s best for children and families.  At Michigan’s Children, we worry that the flurry of activity taking place in the Capitol could set-up the new Legislature for even greater divisiveness.  This is particularly devastating since the new Legislature has many important policy decisions to make like passing a balanced budget and reforming the state’s education system – serious undertakings that need the best thoughts from both sides of the aisle.  During lame duck, there are so many other important public policy decision-making that could take place that are less divisive and more important for the betterment of our state than those that the state Legislature has decided to take up.  Perhaps this lame duck, Congress and the state Legislature should take a break from their respective Capitols, enjoy the last few weeks at home with their constituents hearing from them on the issues that matter, and consider the real work that needs to begin in January.

-Mina Hong