As Twitchy reported earlier, the Michigan state legislature is debating a proposed right-to-work bill. Proponents of the bill just grew one step closer to seeing their goal realized, as the state House has just passed it, 58 to 52.
FREEDOM wins. Big Labor loses. Great news! RT @katyabram MI State House has officially passed the Right to Work bill! #Onward #MIRTW
— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) December 6, 2012
Miracles happen RT:“@sunnyright: WOW: Right-to-work just passed Michigan House 58-52.”
— J (@JustenCharters) December 6, 2012
Hells to the yeah! RT @Dan__Anderson The Michigan House of Representatives just passed #RightToWork. #tcot
— Josh Withrow (@JGWithrow) December 6, 2012
Yes! RT @nikkibama: !! RT @FTR__Radio: Michigan passes RIGHT to WORK in the House 58 to 52. Next on to the Senate
— Young Republican National Federation (@yrnf) December 6, 2012
https://twitter.com/jlwitte/status/276810305504419840
Yay! RT @sunnyright: Michigan Senate, which is 26-12 controlled by Republicans, is expected to pass RTW as well. Then Gov Snyder will sign.
— Corie Whalen (@CorieWhalen) December 6, 2012
If the bill is passed by the Michigan Senate, union members will no longer be forced to pay dues.
Wait. MICHIGAN just became a right-to-work state?
— RBe (@RBPundit) December 6, 2012
Not quite yet, but with any luck, Michigan will soon become our 24th right-to-work state!
@jack_enright Yes, Michigan is undoubtedly the state that needs Right to Work the most, which is why this is so exciting.
— Corie Whalen (@CorieWhalen) December 6, 2012
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Twitchy will continue to monitor this story and update with further developments.
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Update:
Michigan House Democrats are not pleased with the proceedings:
https://twitter.com/NicolaHawatmeh/status/276801902283481090
Rep. Keith Ellison, who characterized Mitt Romney as a “heartless douchebag,” is disgusted that Michigan citizens might have the right to work inflicted upon them.
Truly disgusted and alarmed by MI GOP move to inflict right to work for less on workers. Tune in ppl.
— Keith Ellison (@keithellison) December 6, 2012
And, right on cue, union protesters are doing what they do best:
https://twitter.com/NicolaHawatmeh/status/276813672901402625
MI Senate done with amendments and moving on the RTW bill. Gallery goons losing it as Sergeants toss another screamer out #rtw #mirtw #nfib
— Charles Owens (@OwensNFIB) December 6, 2012
https://twitter.com/NicolaHawatmeh/status/276830036873605120
https://twitter.com/NicolaHawatmeh/status/276831576116043776
Let’s hope the Senate will stand up for what’s right and show these thugs that their intimidation tactics won’t work.
If MI becomes a right to work state, we can go #rtw the entire Midwest. Can actually become competitive there. #MIRTW #tcot #miracle
— YachtMoney (@yatish023) December 6, 2012
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Surprise! The thug in chief has condemned the proposed legislation:
A spokesman for President Obama reiterates his opposition to "Right to Work" laws
— davidshepardson (@davidshepardson) December 6, 2012
BREAKING: Obama comes out against Michigan's "right to work" legislation http://t.co/5nPmbD6e
— Sam Stein (@samstein) December 6, 2012
The White House released the following statement:
President Obama has long opposed so-called “right to work” laws and he continues to oppose them now. The president believes our economy is stronger when workers get good wages and good benefits, and he opposes attempts to roll back their rights. Michigan — and its workers’ role in the revival of the U.S. automobile industry — is a prime example of how unions have helped build a strong middle class and a strong American economy.
Of course he doesn’t like it. Giving workers the freedom to refrain from paying union dues means he takes a hit in fundraising. Poor guy.
* * *
It seems that Sen. Bert Johnson is reading from Wikipedia to delay a vote in the Senate.
https://twitter.com/NicolaHawatmeh/status/276844447524851712
https://twitter.com/NicolaHawatmeh/status/276845637230804992
* * *
After an hour or so of Wikipedia recitation, the Senate has voted to pass the bill 22 to 16.
Senate passes #righttowork 22-16. Four GOP join all Dems opposing. Gallery chanting "Shame on you."
— Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) December 7, 2012
https://twitter.com/NicolaHawatmeh/status/276848216174125056
Senate also passes public sector #righttowork bill by a 22-4 vote. Dems walk out of chamber before vote.
— Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) December 7, 2012
Sen. Colbeck on #righttowork: "Quite simply, it's about freedom. This is a great day for Michigan families."
— Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) December 7, 2012
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Update:
Union supporters have responded to the bill’s passage by attacking Michigan legislators. Classy.
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