LANSING – Rep. James Bolger (R-Marshall) and Rep. Richard Hammel (D-Mount Morris Twp.) were chosen by their respective caucuses on Tuesday to lead the chamber next term and both emphasized the need to work together to solve Michigan’s challenges.

Bolger’s unopposed ascent to House speaker comes after serving in his first term of office and distinguishing himself for both recruiting candidates, which led to Republicans winning a 63-47 majority, and for taking a leadership role in the state and school employee retirement legislation.

Hammel will be serving in his final term when the 96th Legislature convenes. He serves as the majority vice chair of Appropriations and had a pivotal role in shaping the current year budget. He also was in charge of finance for the Democratic campaign committee.

Prior to being elected to the House, Bolger was a Calhoun County commissioner who owned a business that updates telephone records for Fortune 100 businesses, while Hammel served as a Genesee County commissioner and was a pipe fitter at Delphi Engine.

Both lawmakers said they would work across the aisle to turn the state around. Bolger emphasized the need to focus on spending, tax and regulatory reform in the first months, but said the goals of the House Republicans will be shaped in partnership with Senate Republicans and Governor-elect Rick Snyder.

“It’s a united caucus that is looking forward to the challenges,” he said.

Bolger said out of respect for the institution he will promote openness and transparency as speaker.

“Behind every member of this Legislature stands 90,000 people,” he said. “We have to focus on the issues. We understand we won’t always agree, but we have to focus on the challenges.”

Meanwhile, Hammel, who defeated Rep. Woodrow Stanley (D-Flint) after a prolonged, but unanimous, vote, said while Democrats are clearly working with a smaller caucus in the 96th Legislature, the caucus will continue to keep “working for working people.”

He said Democrats will work with Republicans on solving the state’s significant challenges, including a looming budget deficit, noting he’s developed relationships with legislative Republicans while working on the budget and expected those relationships will remain strong.

“We will not be a party that blocks good policy,” he said.

But he said Democrats will also work closely on their policy and messaging to not repeat what occurred this term.

House Republicans elected their full slate of leadership on Tuesday, which includes Rep. Jim Stamas (R-Midland) as majority floor leader and Rep. John Walsh (R-Livonia) as speaker pro tempore. Stamas was a Midland County commissioner who ran the family’s pizzeria prior to serving in the House, while Walsh is an attorney who served as director of development and government relations for Schoolcraft College.

Rep. Pete Lund (R-Shelby Twp.) will serve as caucus whip, while Rep. David Agema (R-Grandville) will serve as caucus chair. Associate speakers pro tempore are Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) and Rep.-elect Margaret O’Brien, while assistant floor leaders are Rep.-elect Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alto) and Rep-elect Jeff Farrington (R-Utica).

Rep.-elect Amanda Price (R-Holland) rounds out the leadership spots as assistant caucus chair.

Bolger said with having 39 incoming members out of the caucus’ 63 it was important to include them in leadership spots and look to the future given term limits.

Democrats selected Rep. Kate Segal (D-Battle Creek) as minority floor leader. Segal was a former district director for then-Sen. Mark Schauer and previously a policy staffer for the House Health Policy Committee, as well as a Calhoun County commissioner. She said that experience will be key in directing the policy of the caucus.

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