NEW LEADERSHIP THE QUAD DEFINING

MICHIGAN’S LEGISLATIVE PATH

By James Martinez

In Lansing, the Democrat and Republican leaders of Michigan’s House and Senate are often referred to as the Quad. When assessing the new Quad, “first” comes to mind.

The first Black House Speaker ever, and first Detroiter to hold the position in 25 years. The first woman to serve as Senate Majority Leader. And the first time in a long time that the Republicans find themselves in the minority part in both chambers of the legislature under a Democrat governor.

With the newly empowered Democrats running the legislative show now in Lansing, state government could see some interesting changes. To assess what may lie ahead, the Detroiter asked legislative leaders – both Democratic and Republican – about priorities, challenges and accelerating economic growth. (Responses were provided in late January.)