"We want to get the job done and get out of town before the mischief-making begins," Bishop said.
Must be that Senator Bishop was visited by the Ghost of Elections Yet to Come, and decided that the record of the Fightin' 94th Legislature wasn't looking too hot as far as accomplishments go, because they done went and passed a slew of stuff while we were busy sweating out the existence of the auto industry.
Big thanks go to the folks at Gongwer for the following set of numbers -
If it seemed like the 94th Legislature's lame duck session was quite busy, including a final marathon 25-hour session, that's because lawmakers completed almost as much work on each other's bills over the past 10 or so session days as they have the rest of the year.
Gongwer News Service analyzed bill activity over the past year and broke it down action based on pre and post-Election Day work.
For the months of November and December, the House was voting in session for 11 days, while the Senate was voting in session for 10 days. Over the course of the year, both chambers have convened session for more than 70 days.
Between the day after the election and the last day of session, the House voted on 117 Senate-originating bills, while the Senate voted on 120 House-originating bills.
However between January and the election, the House voted on 153 Senate-originating bills, while the Senate voted on 143 House-originating bills.
So, what in the world happened to change his mind?
Whatever it was, this citizen is grateful they decided to stay and get some stuff done. While they did leave some important, major issues up in the air (smoking ban, road funding), they also did some really good things (Promise Zone legislation, battery credits, Cobo, light rail) that they deserve to be applauded for.
Thank you, 94th. Have a good Christmas. My best to those that are moving on - and a big welcome to those that are coming in next year.
In other words, nice to meet you Representative Elsenheimer. Hope you enjoy your stay. We intend to make it a pleasant one. Ask Craig, he will tell you all about it.
Heh heh.