State Rep Joe Tate becomes 1st ever Black Speaker of the House
“I think there’s a real opportunity to put our values into practice," Tate said of Democrats in control of state leadership in Lansing. "Whether it’s pocketbook issues, making sure families can put food on their table, investing in education, and child care."
Michigan Democrats poised for governing 'trifecta' with potential majorities in House, Senate chambers
Democrats haven't controlled the state House, Senate, and governor's office at the same time in 38 years.
Abortion in Michigan, other states 'likely to be illegal' because of gerrymandered legislatures, experts say
The Supreme Court's monumental ruling on abortion has put the spotlight on state governments and the partisan lean they now have following decades of gerrymandering.
Bill requiring students take personal finance class at Michigan high schools clears legislature
The bill had widescale bipartisan support during its second trip through the Michigan legislature.
Michigan House approves putting term limits proposal on ballot
Term limits in Michigan allow for no more than 14 years in the legislature. Supporters of changing the rule say the length of time in the legislature made law making more difficult.
Redford Rep. Mary Cavanagh sentenced to sobriety court, probation following drunken driving conviction
Mary Cavanagh was stopped by Livonia police after driving on two flat tires with a blood alcohol level of .17 - more than twice the legal limit in Michigan. It was her second instance of drunk driving.
Democrat State Rep Cavanagh gets misdemeanor deal on 2nd drunk driving offense
Mary Cavanagh helped create legislation allowing people to petition a judge to expunge their first-time drunk driving offenses. She will not benefit from that new law, as this is her second drunk driving conviction.
State Democrats want special investigation into Lee Chatfield after sex assault allegations
"If you have a complaint against an attorney, you go to the attorney grievance commission, if you have a complaint against a judge - go judicial. If you have a complaint against a legislator where do you go? We have to police ourselves and that gives us that opportunity."
Michigan Democrats call for investigation into former House Speaker Lee Chatfield
Members of the House Democratic Caucus held a press conference today, calling for the creation of a special committee to investigate the activities of former House Speaker Lee Chatfield.
Michigan legislature chucks bill that would repeal sales tax on diapers
Months after the state eliminated its tampon tax, lawmakers sought to make raising children more affordable by eliminating the sales tax on diapers.
Michigan Democrats, Republicans launch drive to change term limit law
"I do not think the state is being served well by the House of Representatives that is by and large what's a large revolving door today," Duggan said. "We are backing what the people support, and we're reducing the term from 14 years to 12 years."
Whitmer releases $74.1 billion Michigan budget plan for next fiscal year
The bill includes creating a $1 billion school modernization fund and an array of one-time spending plans due to the state's $7 billion balance carried over into the new year.
Lawmakers fight for bill to restore funding for long-term care for crash survivors after no-fault change
Laurie Oleska will be one of many in Lansing Tuesday as state lawmakers introduce a bill aimed at helping survivors of serious car crashes and their home health care providers.
Sex abuse survivor bills extending statute of limitations gain momentum for passage in Lansing
The horrific abuse by Michigan State University's Larry Nassar and the University of Michigan's Robert Anderson has prompted lawmakers to try to extend the statute of limitations for victims of abuse by physicians.
With new GM battery factory in mind, state approves $1.5 billion bill to land major business projects
Among the projects the state is eyeing is General Motors new electric vehicle battery factory. Several hundred million will also be available to restaurants and other businesses that lost money during the pandemic.
Michigan legislature poised to approve $841 million for pandemic relief, testing, rental assistance
The bulk of the money is from the federal government that will go to schools, airports, and emergency rental aid.
Defendants in animal abuse cases would pay shelter fees before conviction, Michigan House-approved bill says
The state House overwhelmingly approved the bill, which would offset the costs of shelter and vet fees onto the owner as criminal proceedings worked through the court.
Republican lawmakers pass school voucher bills Whitmer promises to veto
Students attending private schools could get up to $7,830 to pay for educational expenses. A financial review estimates as much as $500 million in state tax revenue could be cut.
Prosecutor: No charges for Metro Detroit rep. following allegations he threatened fellow lawmaker
Michigan State Police had been investigating allegations against Harrison Township Rep. Steve Marino after Birmingham Rep. Mari Manoogian said he sent threatening texts.
Michigan House approves elimination of "tampon tax" for first time
The legislation still needs to pass the Senate before the 6% tax on menstrual products can clear the legislature. A fiscal report estimates Michigan will lose out on $7 million annually.