Insider Intelligence

Every year political insiders, legislators, and the media prepare for the annual State of the State Address, where the governor lays out his or her vision for the state. The speech receives an enormous amount of coverage from local media outlets, which allows the general public to consume every word and message the governor delivers. […]

Below are some of the articles that the MLC lobby team has been reading this past week. We hope you find them as interesting and useful as we do. Research: Are Women Better at Leading Diverse Countries Than Men? – Businesses, and countries, that have women in top leadership roles see a benefit over their […]

The Senate followed the House’s lead by voting to reject an Executive Order (EO) changing environmental oversight in Michigan. On a party line vote, the Senate adopted a House Concurrent Resolution that blocks Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s EO making changes within the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Announced last week, Executive Order 2019-2 would restructure DEQ […]

Can the legislature adopt a citizen’s initiative, only to amend it shortly thereafter? The legality of the strategy has been put into question by Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) who requested Attorney General Dana Nessel to issue an official opinion on the matter. Specifically, the Senator is questioning the legality of the actions taken last term […]

The Federal Government has approved the final year of the State Innovation Model, which works to create a person-centered health system in Michigan. This is the fourth year and final year the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ (CMS) will provide funding for the State Innovation Model (SIM) Initiative.  During this final year, the Michigan […]

Small businesses that hire an employee who has been out of work for 60 days or more would be eligible for a tax credit under legislation introduced this week. Bill sponsor, Representative Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) believe the tax credit would help tackle unemployment by incentivizing businesses to seek workers who have been unsuccessful in long-term […]

Reforms to Michigan’s civil asset forfeiture laws moved through the full Senate this week. Under the legislation introduced by Senator Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township), a requirement would be created that an individual must be convicted of or plead guilty to a crime before law enforcement could take ownership of personal property through the civil asset […]

The MLC offices will be closed for President’s Day on Monday, February 18. The House and Senate are scheduled to hold their typical Tuesday – Thursday session schedule.