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Posted on Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:57 a.m.

Year in review: How state lawmakers representing Washtenaw County voted in 2011

By Ryan J. Stanton

State Reps. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township, and Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, maintained perfect voting records during the entire Michigan House legislative session of 2011.

The House took more than 600 roll call votes, and neither missed a single one, according to MichiganVotes.org, which compiles the voting histories of state lawmakers.

Mark_Ouimet_headshot_2011.jpg

Mark Ouimet

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Jeff Irwin

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Rebekah Warren

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Randy Richardville

Rick_Olson.jpg

Rick Olson

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David Rutledge

Rep. Rick Olson, R-York Township, missed three votes, while Rep. David Rutledge, D-Superior Township, missed 11 votes.

Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, who was recognized by the MIRS news service for having the most liberal voting record in 2011, missed 10 votes. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, missed three votes.

To see a rundown of the votes they missed, visit MichiganVotes.org.

MichiganVotes.org is a free public service of the conservative Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

The group provided AnnArbor.com with a year-end recap of how Washtenaw County lawmakers voted on some of the most important issues of 2011, showing them heavily divided along party lines.

The list does not include all of the issues that grabbed headlines in 2011, such as House Bill 4770, the controversial legislation that now bans domestic partner benefits for public employees in Michigan.

Washtenaw County's delegation was divided along party lines on that issue, too, with Democrats Warren, Irwin and Rutledge fighting against the ban, while Republicans Ouimet, Olson and Richardville supported it.

Here's a look at some of the other issues and how local lawmakers voted, as summarized by MichiganVotes.org:

House Bill 4361, Gov. Snyder's business and personal income tax overhaul: Passed 19 to 19 in the Senate (Lt. Gov. Calley broke tie)

To replace the Michigan Business Tax with a 6 percent corporate income tax; eliminate several corporate tax breaks and subsidies; repeal a gradual cut in the personal income rate from 4.25 percent to 3.95 percent; scale-back the current income tax exemption for pension income; reduce the Earned Income Tax credit for low income workers by 70 percent; eliminate or reduce other income tax deductions and credits including the homestead property tax credit, personal exemption and dependent child credit; and make many other tax code revisions. The Senate version preserves some corporate tax breaks and subsidies.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

House Bill 4214, Increase power of distressed school and municipal financial managers: Passed 26 to 12 in the Senate

To greatly enhance the powers of Emergency Managers appointed to manage fiscally failing municipalities and school districts. EMs would could cancel union contracts, and school EMs would have authority over academic matters.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

Senate Bill 7, Mandate 20 percent government employee health benefit contribution: Passed 25 to 13 in the Senate

To prohibit local governments and public schools from providing employee health insurance benefits in which employees contribute less than 20 percent toward the cost, or which exceed certain dollar amounts, with a number of exceptions.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

House Bill 4408, Reduce future unemployment benefits: Passed 24 to 13 in the Senate

To reduce from 26 weeks to 20 weeks the amount of time that laid off employees can collect state unemployment insurance benefits.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

Senate Bill 806, Revise unemployment insurance: Passed 23 to 11 in the Senate

To revise various elements of the state unemployment insurance social welfare system, including employer payroll tax assessments; requiring beneficiaries to accept alternative work at lower pay, and more. This is part of the package authorizing state borrowing to pay off some $3.2 billion in unemployment system debt, owed because benefit payments exceeded payroll tax revenues.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

Senate Bill 165, Ban project labor agreements: Passed 26 to 12 in the Senate

To prohibit "project labor agreements" in state, school and local public construction projects. These require a non-union contractor to comply with union contract conditions and pay scales, which are often above market level.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

House Bill 4325, 2011-2012 K-16 Education budget: Passed 21 to 17 in the Senate

To appropriate $12.66 billion for K-12 public schools in 2011-2012, compared to $13.13 billion the previous year (an amount inflated by $420 million in “stimulus” money). Per-pupil grants were reduced around $100 for schools that adopt specified reforms, and another $100 for those that don't. The bill also appropriates $1.36 billion for state universities, compared to $1.58 billion the previous year.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

House Bill 4625, Make it easier to fire ineffective teachers: Passed 25 to 13 in the Senate

To revise the standards for granting a public school teacher “tenure,” and streamline the procedures for taking it away.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

House Bill 4627, Ban laying off less-senior teachers over "ineffective" ones ("LIFO"): Passed 20 to 17 in the Senate

To prohibit public schools from using seniority as the determining factor when making layoff or recall decisions ("last in first out"), and prohibit giving preference to a teacher rated "ineffective" over ones rated "minimally effective" or above.

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

Senate Bill 618, Eliminate charter school cap: Passed 22 to 16 in the Senate

To eliminate the cap of 150 on the number of charter schools that can be authorized by state universities, starting in 2015 (with 300 allowed in 2012 and 500 in 2013 and 2014).

  • 17 Sen. Randy Richardville R-Monroe Y
  • 18 Sen. Rebekah Warren D-Ann Arbor N

House Bill 4361, Gov. Snyder's business and personal income tax overhaul: Passed in the House 56 to 53

To replace the Michigan Business Tax with a 6 percent corporate income tax; eliminate; scale-back pension income exemptions, replace the Earned Income Tax credit with a child credit, and more.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

House Bill 4214, Increase power of distressed school and municipal financial managers: Passed 62 to 47 in the House

To greatly enhance the powers of Emergency Managers appointed to manage fiscally failing municipalities and school districts. EMs would could cancel union contracts, and school EMs would have authority over academic matters.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

Senate Bill 7, Mandate 20 percent government employee health benefit contribution: Passed 56 to 52 in the House

To prohibit local governments and public schools from providing employee health insurance benefits in which employees contribute less than 20 percent toward the cost, or which exceed certain dollar amounts, with a number of exceptions.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

House Bill 4408, Reduce future unemployment benefits: Passed 65 to 44 in the House

To reduce from 26 weeks to 20 weeks the amount of time that laid off employees can collect state unemployment insurance benefits.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

Senate Bill 806, Revise unemployment insurance: Passed 61 to 47 in the House

To revise various elements of the state unemployment insurance social welfare system, including employer payroll tax assessments; requiring beneficiaries to accept alternative work at lower pay, and more.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

Senate Bill 165, Ban project labor agreements: Passed 62 to 47 in the House

To prohibit "project labor agreements" in state, school and local public construction projects.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

House Bill 4325, 2011-2012 K-16 Education budget: Passed 59 to 50 in the House

To appropriate $12.66 billion for K-12 public schools in 2011-2012, compared to $13.13 billion the previous year (an amount inflated by $420 million in stimulus money). Per-pupil grants were reduced around $100 for schools that adopt specified reforms, and another $100 for those that don't. The bill also appropriates $1.36 billion for state universities, compared to $1.58 billion the previous year.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

House Bill 4625, Make it easier to dismiss ineffective teachers: Passed 66 to 42 in the House

To revise the standards for granting a public school teacher “tenure,” and streamline the procedures for taking it away.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

House Bill 4627, Ban laying off more effective but less senior teachers first ("LIFO"): Passed 68 to 39 in the House

To prohibit public schools from using seniority as the determining factor when making layoff or recall decisions ("last in first out"), and prohibit giving preference to a teacher rated "ineffective" over ones rated "minimally effective" or above.

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township Y
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

Senate Bill 618, Eliminate charter school cap: Passed 58 to 49 in the House

To eliminate the cap of 150 on the number of charter schools that can be authorized by state universities, starting in 2015 (with 300 allowed in 2012 and 500 in 2013 and 2014).

  • 52 Rep. Mark Ouimet R-Scio Township Y
  • 53 Rep. Jeff Irwin D-Ann Arbor N
  • 54 Rep. David E. Rutledge D-Superior Township N
  • 55 Rep. Rick Olson R-York Township Y

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.

Comments

outdoor6709

Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 1:21 a.m.

The residents of AA are different from the rest of the state. We think our wants, usually someone else paying for things for us, bridges, high speed rail, bus service that we want others to use, should be implemented by the lesislator. Setting priorities is not necessary when you have access to political power. Unfortunately we are at the point where our lesislators need to make tough choices. Its a strange new world.

outdoor6709

Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.

The party of no seems to be the D's. After 4 years of getting nothing done by Gov Granholm it is at least interesting to see changes in policy. Unfortunately it will be years before the consequences are fully understood.

empedocles

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.

Mark Ouimet campaigned upon a pledge to work with Democrats. He broke that pledge and his word. I wouldn't expect him to vote the Democrat party line, but Jesus, there must be some common ground he could have tossed our way. He cannot count on our votes again. In Ann Arbor City he helped gerrymander his new 2012 district to dump every Ann Arbor Voter from his district and include Salem Township voters. Salem and Ann Arbor are quite different communities with different needs. He's very a typical politician. Say what's necessary to secure victory, then do your own thing.

xmo

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.

It is too bad that the elected Democrats didn't miss more votes. Since they represent the "Rich" and vote to spend money "like a drunken sailor".

tom swift jr.

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.

This would be where we acknowledge that, in this country, politicians no longer serve their constituents, they serve the party.

Michigan Man

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.

Ouimet is a major upgrade for Ann Arbor and the fine residents of Washtenaw County. Mark simply gets it done! Fine man, devoted public servant, very well versed in all things Ann Arbor, fully engaged in the community and highly respected by his long time friends and foes! Ann Arborites, by electing Ouimet, have earned their distinction as the smartest people in the USA!

aareader

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.

In my opinion Ouiment is a MAJOR Downgrade and he is NOT respected by his foes. He professes to be for all of the people but he votes the party line regardless of its impact on his constituents. Hope he enjoys his time in the legislature. Many voters will be working to make it his last.

dcom

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.

Thanks Randy for your votes, I voted for you and don't regret it one bit.

Lac Court Orilles

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.

Rick Olson is nothing but a "Rubber Stamp" Republican who always votes the party line. He doesn't even think. Richardville (a.k.a. turncoat) led his constituents to believe that he was on their side, and then proceeded to completely ignore all of them unless they were large donors. Richardville only represents people with deep pockets, so that leaves out most of us.

yohan

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 11:24 a.m.

Oh Great! This is political partisanship at it's worst. All of Washtenaw County representation in the state government cancel each others vote and amounts to ZERO! So much for the two party system.

antikvetch

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.

Ze one pary zyztem is so much more...... efficient.

jinxplayer

Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 11:42 a.m.

You clearly must be someone who knows what they are talking about!