Insider Intelligence

The House Government Operations Committee this week reported a resolution calling for a convention of states.  The measure, introduced by Speaker Pro Tem Lee Chatfield (R-Levering), seeks to amend the United States Constitution to decrease the size and spending of the federal government.  Additionally, his resolution calls for term limits on members of Congress.  House […]

Last Friday, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) re-submitted the state’s plan to the U.S. Department of Education for the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.  This updated version was developed using feedback the department received from the federal government two weeks ago.  The re-submitted plan includes requested technical detail and clarifications to the first submitted […]

Michigan’s plan to implement the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) moved a step closer this week following a phone call between the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and officials from the U.S. Department of Education.  Following months of public input, this past spring MDE submitted its final plan for meeting the requirements of ESSA, […]

This week, President Donald Trump appointed Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.  The court has jurisdiction over federal appeals from the states of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.  Justice Larsen has served on Michigan’s highest court since her appointment on September 30, 2015 by […]

This week, the Michigan Department of Education submitted the state’s plan to the U.S. Department of Education (USED) for the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  The plan was signed by Governor Rick Snyder and State Superintendent Brian Whiston. ESSA is the new federal law that replaced the previous No Child Left Behind Act.  Under […]

On December 16, President Barack Obama signed into law the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.  The new Act authorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) at $1.5 billion over the course of five-years, dedicates funding for maritime priorities including the Great Lakes Navigation System, strengthens protections for fish and wildlife, and authorizes funding […]

Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D) this week announced her appointment as Vice Chair of the Congressional Women’s Caucus for the 115th Congress.  “Congratulations to Congresswoman Lawrence on her appointment!  She has been a strong voice for her district, and Michigan residents, since being elected and will use her new role to bring a strong voice […]

While this election year the Presidential race is getting most of the media coverage, voters throughout Michigan will be voting on many important races next week. As is the case every two years, all of Michigan’s fourteen U.S. Representatives are up for reelection.  Of those, only two seats are open due to the current Congressional […]