In November, Michigan voters repealed Public Act 4, the state's anti-democratic emergency manager law. While you were busy protesting the right to work for less, in the legislature's mad rush to get every evil thing it can passed during the lame duck session, the House passed a new version of the same damn thing and sent it to the Senate, which is expected to pass it and send it to Governor Rick Snyder to be signed back into law.

The only real difference may be that Republicans attached an appropriation to this bill (pdf) so that it won't be subject to referendum.

The state House passed late Wednesday what the Snyder administration says is a new and improved emergency manager law, but opponents say is a warmed-over version of what voters rejected Nov. 6.

The House passed the Local Financial Stability and Choice act in a 63-46 vote, with Rep. Kevin Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant, being the only Republican to join Democrats in voting no.

Cotter declined to comment after the session on why he voted against the legislation. Rep. Jimmy Womack, D-Detroit, was absent for the vote.

A request for immediate effect for the new bill was turned down 63-45, meaning it would take effect around the end of March if passed by the Senate today and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder. Both moves are expected.

Why do Michigan Republicans hate democracy?

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Update: 7:45pm EST: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has reportedly signed the controversial bill banning mandatory union membership Tuesday night. As anger escalated among the estimated 10,000 protesters in Lansing, police donning riot gear arrived with pepper spray, which was used on at least one activist. Police also arrested two demonstrators, and surrounded the Romney State Office Building.

A few photos, and I'll have much more later...

Civil disobedience inside the Capitol rotunda earlier Tuesday.

"Owned by Dick DeVos"

Update 9:20am:

Michigan Avenue, now...

Update 9am EST:

Snyder, GOP leaders to unveil right-to-work legislation plans at 11 am.

Inside the Capitol...

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An amazing crowd in Lansing right now, as the march to the State Capitol building is about to begin! I'm sure there are thousands, but I sure couldn't make a guess from here in the heart of it all beyond that. So many people from outside Michigan here to stand with us in solidarity -- it's truly touching -- thank-you all! A few notes before I'm off:

For anyone wishing to donate pizza to everyone protesting at the Michigan Capitol building, please contact Cottage Inn Pizza at (517) 267-9000 and they will see to it that your order is donated to the hungry, winter warriors.

Email from Progress Michigan (517-999-3646):

"We’re opening our office as a pit stop during the rally tomorrow. If you’re in town, join us at 115 W. Allegan, Floor 7 (above the Biggby), to get warm, grab some hot cocoa, recharge your phone, log onto free WI-FI, and make a quick bathroom break."

Details on the day's events here.

Will update either here on via Twitter @DianeSweet whenever possible.