Sine Die: Democrats lose majority; Legislature will adjourn for the year

Democrats in the Michigan House will lose their majority Monday. On Tuesday, the Michigan House and Senate will adjourn for the year. It will declare sine die: “Without day,” the adjournment of a year of lawmaking.

Democrats will lose the majority because Reps. Kevin Coleman, D-Westland, and Lori Stone, D-Warren, won mayoral elections in their cities. Coleman and Stone will be sworn in Monday, Gongwer reported. They will vacate their House seats, and special elections will be held.

The Democrats entered the 102nd Legislature with two-seat majorities in the House (56-54) and Senate (20-18).

When the House falls to 108 members, it will take 55 votes to pass a bill. That means every bill would require the support of members of both parties.

While the year in lawmaking is over, 2024 will start with the 54-54 split. House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, will remain the speaker.

The sine die resolutions were approved by the House and Senate on Thursday.