The state constitution requires lawmakers to provide “adequate funding” to defend Michigan’s legislative district maps against lawsuits. There are currently two.
But the commission has been without a budget to pay its lawyers since October 1st.
Executive director Edward Woods says the lawsuit is a last resort.
“This is not something we were looking to do but we have been requesting funds since May 13th and as [of] today, we haven’t received one dime for Fiscal Year 23 even though we have legal bills.”
State lawmakers didn’t reach a deal on reauthorizing the commission’s leftover money from the previous budget before they adjourned last week.
