UPDATE at 4:52 ET - Thursday, December 6, 2012:
Just got off the phone with State Representative David E. Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti). Here's the update from the Representative:
The House is set to pass H.B. 4054, the "Right to Work" bill. The Governor (Snyder) CLOSED the entire Chamber (rotunda and all) to the Public during votes on this bill and other similar measures today. A Ingham County Circuit Court ruled (less than 30 minutes ago) that the Governor was in violation of the Open Meeting Act and ordered the Chamber to be re-opened to the Residents from the state of Michigan.
Michigan's Republicans have attached an Appropriation of $1,000,000 dollars to House Bill 4054. In other words the bill, as passed will be REFERENDUM PROOF. The people can never repeal this law, unless it is overturned in the House/Senate and by a Future Governor or in the State Court System.
On Thursday, December 6th, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (R) in a news conference and press release confirmed his intent to sign "Right to Work" Legislation when the bills reach his desk during the Lame-Duck Chamber session. Naming the pending legislation "freedom to work", the Governor who claimed on August 30, 2011 any attempts to enact right to work bills in Michigan would be controversial, has changed his tune.
"We respect the fact that the freedom-to-work issue evokes strong emotions among supporters and opponents," said Snyder, who supports collective bargaining.
"That's why we've focused on other reforms that are so critical to Michigan's turnaround. But with this issue now on the table, it's time to embrace the benefits that come with giving working men and women the freedom they deserve. The values of freedom, fairness and equality in the workplace should unite us all. And as states fiercely compete for jobs, this legislation will ensure that investors know Michigan is the place to do business."
Michigan Minority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) has equally pledged to use the 26 - 12 seat advantage Republicans have in the states' Senate Chamber, to push the right to work bills though.
"I have long been a supporter of collective bargaining, but whether you support collective bargaining or not, it should be the worker's freedom to choose whether or not he or she belongs to a union," said Richardville, R-Monroe.
"There has been a lot of talk and discussion on this issue, but what this ultimately comes down to is the individual worker. I support Michigan workers and I support their freedom to choose."
Resident who were allowed entrance into Michigan's House Chamber session this morning disagreed with Governor Snyder (R) and Senate Majority Leader Richardville (R) thoughts that "right to work" bills are what state residents desire. In this video, provided by Michigan Senate Democrats Republican Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, appeared outraged that the people of Michigan expressed displeasure with the Republican "right to work" agenda.
In Michigan's House Chamber, Democrats who oppose "right to work"including House Representative Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) have been using social media communications in effort to keep constituents informed of actions occurring in Lansing today.
"RTA (Right-To-Work) bills on the board now. The Republicans refused to hear my amendments, gaveling them down without a vote in typical fashion," Representative Irwin wrote on Facebook.
Republicans appeared to have feared of the overwhelming crowd who have gathered in opposition of the "Right to Work" bills in Lansing today, engaging in actions such as illegally locking down the Chamber, which is opened to the public when business is pending on the floor.
State Senate Democrats via their website noted that Republicans called in countless State Police officers this morning and afternoon to guard their offices, along with questioning the public as they enter the Capitol to protest the Republican agenda.
"Republicans have locked down the State Capitol building again. We have called for the Senate to recess until a lawsuit being filed to reopen it has been ruled on," Michigan Senate Democrats wrote on Facebook.
Independent Underground News has confirmed the Michigan Legislative Chambers, both House and Senate, have scheduled sessions this weekend, Saturday, December 8th starting at 10:00 AM ET and Sunday, December 9th at 1:00 PM ET. Additionally, Independent Underground Radio LIVE program will conduct a live podcast from the State Capitol Building in Lansing on Saturday beginning at 11AM ET to cover events at in Lansing.