House Republicans fight court ruling on procedures

LANSING (AP) -- Republicans who hold the majority in the Michigan House want the state appeals court to reverse an order from an Ingham County judge favoring Democrats in a procedural spat. The appeal seeks the court's decision by today. Ingham County Circuit Judge Clinton Canady III issued an order last week aimed at ensuring Republicans follow certain procedures when granting what is called "immediate effect" to bills approved by lawmakers. That status determines how quickly a new law kicks in once signed by the governor. Republicans say the ruling is an overreach and they follow House rules. The case could affect how quickly two Michigan laws take effect. One bans unionization of graduate student research assistants at public universities, and the other bans public schools from deducting union dues from employee paychecks. Published: Mon, Apr 9, 2012