FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 18, 2025
Contact: Leah Leszczynski, lleszczynski@miaflcio.org, 989.316.6044
LANSING, MI — Today marks 100 days since Speaker Matt Hall began unconstitutionally withholding a package of pro-worker bills that were passed by the Michigan Legislature. Speaker Matt Hall’s claim that he’s above Michigan’s supreme law has triggered what amounts to a constitutional crisis — and the consequences are hitting working Michiganders hard. Workers across the state are being denied long-overdue changes that would strengthen their benefits, protect their families, and uphold their rights on the job.
“100 days is 100 days too long,“ said Ron BIEBER, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Speaker Matt Hall is throwing Michigan’s constitution and the working class under the bus. The bills are passed. The people have spoken. It’s time to send these damn bills to the Governor’s desk. No more delays.”
The Michigan Constitution is clear: Once the legislature passes a bill, the House must present it to the governor. Speaker Matt Hall’s refusal to do so is a direct violation of constitutional law and an insult to the working people of Michigan.
“These bills should already be law. I’ve met with legislators, told my family’s story, and fought to make sure other families don’t have to suffer the way we did,” said Katie Kerstetter, wife of fallen Officer Daniel KERSTETTER. “These critical bills passed with bipartisan support. It’s time for Speaker Hall to put workers first and send them to Gov. Whitmer.”
These bills were passed by both chambers of the Legislature and represent the will of Michigan’s people. Speaker Matt Hall’s obstruction is nothing more than political gamesmanship at the expense of Michigan workers, retirees, and families.
This is not just a political dispute; it’s a fight for the basic rights and economic security of Michigan workers. These bills keep healthcare costs under control, strengthen retirement security and shield hard-working families from aggressive debt collection tactics. Speaker Matt Hall must stop playing games with people’s lives.
“My healthcare costs have increased every single year and in 2025 they’ve gone up 70% -this is unacceptable,” said Carrie FILION, United Steelworkers Local 12075-01. “We’ve waited long enough. These bills would make real improvements to the lives of thousands of families. Instead, we’ve been ignored. Speaker Hall needs to remember who he works for – and it’s not the lobbyists or special interests.”
On this 100th day, Michigan’s labor movement is united in one message: do your job, Speaker Hall. The people of this state can’t afford another day of delay. Every hour these bills sit in limbo is an hour of harm done to the people who make Michigan work.
The Michigan AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions represent over 1 million active and retired working people across the state and are committed to continuing to hold Speaker Hall accountable.
