Paralysis in Lansing as Michigan Democrats' crammed agenda comes to a halt

LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - Protesting Republicans, absent Democrats, and a massive logjam of legislation in Lansing has paralyzed any hope of further lawmaking amid frustration with priorities and the Michigan House Speaker.

The chaos echoing from within the halls of the state capital may be the exclamation mark on a lame duck period that has brewed consternation among some Democrats upset with leader Joe Tate. 

"That's why we're not coming in. It's crazy - the backwards priorities," said Republican Matt Hall, who will assume leadership of the chamber.

Hall led Republicans in a walk-out over Democrats legislating for the second time this week. Normally sitting on the right side of the aisle, they instead levied their grievances from a nearby sports bar titled The Nuthouse.

But even without Republicans, Tate had issues in his own party after Detroit Rep. Karen Whitsett stayed home, telling the speaker she would not return to the Michigan House until he allocated more money to local districts.

Whitsett's absence meant Democrats didn't have enough lawmakers for a quorum, stalling any further lawmaking.

There were also issues in the Michigan Senate, where Sen. Sylvia Santana boycotted the session over what she says is a lack of attention from Democrats to problems in cities. 

Lacking her 20th vote, she left the other half of the government paralyzed.

The Michigan Attorney General accused lawmakers that failed to show up of breaking the law. Hall fired back, accusing Dana Nessel of overspending. 

"There's going to be scrutiny on that budget. I mean her department office is out of control," Hall said.

Hovering over all of this is the Democratic governor's ultimatum to either send her economic development programs or a road fix plan, or she would not sign any more bills.