Insider Intelligence

This week, Lt. Governor Brian Calley made two big announcements during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference.  On Tuesday, he announced his support for a constitutional amendment that would enact a part-time legislature.  Additionally, he went a step further in announcing that he is not only lending support, but would lead the petition drive […]

On Monday, members of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses announced a new plan to resist cuts to health care, which have passed the U.S. House of Representatives.  Their plan would shield hundreds of thousands of Michigan families who may see their costs increase and coverage reduced under the federal proposal. The plan, the ‘Michigan […]

This week, Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton) and Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) introduced legislation expanding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the governor’s office and the Legislature.  The bills remove the current FOIA exemptions for the governor, lieutenant governor, and executive office employees and create a new part to the act, the Legislative […]

This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 69, amending the Management and Budget Act.  Under the bill as passed, it would provide that certain records related to purchasing and contract by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) would be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This could be a game changer […]

Below is a snapshot of some of the legislation that was introduced this week. HB 4161 – Removes reasons as to why a precinct can’t recount election results. HB 4163 – Prohibits a school calendar from being a subject of collective bargaining. HB 4172 – Creates a misdemeanor for installing a nonoperative air bag. HB […]

Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) has announced several changes to his staff.  In addition to recently naming Craig Ryan as his new Chief of Staff, Meekhof has announced that Scott Hughes will serve as General Counsel and Deputy Chief of staff, a promotion from his prior role of Majority Counsel.  Jennifer Merchant has […]

This week, the Senate began introducing legislation for the new legislative term.  The first three bills aim to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage law.  The first bill was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive), showing the importance of the proposal by the Senate Republican Leadership. Current state law requires that all construction firms […]

Below is a snapshot of some of the legislation that was introduced this week: HJR A – Creates a part-time legislature HB 4041, 4042 – Increases penalties for driving without a valid license HB 4044 – Unless allowed by a local ordinance, a prohibition on the sale and use of consumer fireworks HB 4045 – […]