© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Senate Republicans further delay legislation

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – LANSING, MI (MPRN) - Michigan Senate Republicans put drug company immunity legislation on the backburner Tuesday, delaying action until October.

State Senate Democrats say the GOP was showing cowardice by further delaying a vote on the legislation. The bills would repeal the law protecting pharmaceutical companies from being sued over FDA-approved drugs.

But Republicans say Democrats are playing partisan games when they should be focused on budget issues and a collapsing auto industry.

State Senator Alan Cropsey said, "If there is any industry that has defined Michigan at it's very core, it's been the automobile industry. And we have a very serious, very serious situation on our hands. The future of the state of Michigan - as we have known it - is going to be changing dramatically."

Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop says a repeal of the drug company immunity law would push more businesses out of the state, and cause more job losses.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!