
It was another memorable year for the state of Michigan.
MICHIGAN—What a year.
Over the last twelve months, state lawmakers passed a long list of bills passed into law. Federal funding contributed to consistent economic growth, particularly in manufacturing and clean energy. Dispensaries sold billions of dollars in weed. And Michiganders picked a new president.
But before the non-stop headlines keep coming into 2025, let’s stop and take a brief stroll down memory lane with five of the biggest themes that emerged from our news coverage in 2024:
How about those Lions?

AP Photo/Duane Burleson
The Detroit Lions roared into 2024 with a playoff run that electrified fans and showed they should no longer be considered the NFL’s punching bag. Detroit also hosted the NFL Draft, drawing nationwide attention—and millions of dollars in spending—to the Motor City. The Tigers also had a fairly respectable season, providing some renewed pride for Michigan sports fans.
Democratic-led state legislation takes center stage
With another year in full control of both chambers of the state Legislature, Democratic state lawmakers made some big changes to our state laws this year.
From record-breaking school funding to state investments in affordable housing and clean water, the so-called “Democratic trifecta” kept busy in 2024—and they’re not quite done yet.
Democrats advanced bills to provide big financial relief for working families; about 700,000 Michigan families saw an average refund of $3,150 on their tax returns under legislation that quintupled the state Working Families Tax Credit from 6% to 30% of the federal level.
State lawmakers also passed new laws to expand access to contraception, as well as enacted legislation that creates new legal protections for parents who choose to use fertility treatments, surrogacy, or any other form of assisted reproduction—including in-vitro fertilization.
The recently passed Michigan Voting Rights Act will create new laws banning voter intimidation and suppression, as well as empower Michigan voters with additional ways to exercise their right to vote in person. And Democratic lawmakers are still working this month to repeal outdated state laws that criminalize adultery and same-sex conduct in the state of Michigan.
It won’t be nearly as easy for Democrats to pass their priorities into law next year, when Republican lawmakers take majority control of the state House of Representatives.
Federal funding ramps up economic growth
Billions of dollars in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the American Rescue Plan, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law were awarded in Michigan this year. Those investments have enticed dozens of big-name companies, like Ford and Stellantis, to expand operations in the state—as well as announce tens of thousands of new jobs from Detroit to Traverse City.
In turn, it’s been a banner year for Michigan’s labor unions—many of which are also tracking more members this year due, in part, to new state and federal investments in apprenticeships, as well as the passage of state-level legislation that’s designed to protect Michigan workers.

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Companies like Hemlock Semiconductor, NanoGraf, and SK Siltron are also among those pledging major investments to help solidify Michigan’s role as a nationwide leader in automotive manufacturing and clean energy, in addition to the Palisades nuclear plant going back online.
The state’s unemployment rate also hit a record low in 2024. And several other big-name projects are still underway that could create tens of thousands of new jobs for Michiganders, including plans for a manufacturing facility near Flint and an EV battery plant in Big Rapids.
Election Day? More like Election Year.
A record-number of Michiganders voted this year on everything from the presidency to the state Supreme Court. Donald Trump carried Michigan against Kamala Harris, US Rep. Elissa Slotkin won a seat in the US Senate, Democratic-backed justices expanded their majority on the Michigan Supreme Court, and Republican lawmakers took back control of the state House.
It was a long campaign season and a smooth Election Day—and the stakes were high.
Michiganders smoke billions of dollars in weed
Michiganders love their cannabis, and it shows.

AP Photo/Paul Sancya
The state has now tracked $10 billion in total marijuana sales since legalization—which has generated millions of dollars in tax revenue for things like public schools and road repairs.
Competition is still fierce, but dispensaries have thrived as out-of-staters flock to Michigan to re-up their stash and Michiganders cut down on the booze in favor of greener alternatives.
This year, thousands of Michiganders also subscribed to the MichiGanja Report—a free, biweekly newsletter about all things weed from The ‘Gander. (Click here to subscribe.)
READ MORE: The ‘Gander’s Official Holiday Bucket List for 2024
For the latest Michigan news, follow The ‘Gander on Twitter.
Follow Political Correspondent Kyle Kaminski here.
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Since day one, our goal here at The 'Gander has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Michigan families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.


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