As the state House of Representatives welcomed new Republican leadership to the chamber on Wednesday, the Democratic-led state Senate hit the ground running, introducing 15 bills, with some reviving key debates from the previous legislative session.
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Michigan parents can enroll kids in free preschool and save $10K this year
State officials still have enough cash to cover preschool programs for about 9,000 more kids—which can save their families about $10,000 on child care costs this year.
8 new Michigan laws taking effect in 2025
Democratic state lawmakers passed some big changes into law last year that were largely designed to make life better for Michigan workers, families, and communities.
Climate takes its toll on the ‘cherry capital of the world’
Traverse City has long been considered a cherry haven where long rows of trees teem with red fruit. But as the planet warms, things are beginning to change.
What’s the deal with cage-free egg laws in Michigan?
Grocery stores across the state are shifting their egg supplies to accommodate newly enacted legislation that requires most eggs to come from cage-free housing systems.
7 big things Democrats did with their majority in Lansing
Over the past two years, Michigan Democrats have used their majority control in both chambers of the state Legislature—and the governor’s office—to pass hundreds of bills
Michigan Senate forges ahead after House melts down due to Democratic infighting
While House Democrats failed to achieve the majority needed to hold session on Thursday—even after approving an order to bring absent members to the House floor—the Michigan Senate worked late into the night, sending dozens of bills to the Governor’s desk in an effort to finish out their policy agenda.
Michigan legislature attendance problems leave justice for survivors package in jeopardy
Sexual assault survivors and their families implored state legislators Wednesday to think of them before they skip another day of work.
2024 in Review: What Michigan news stories grabbed the biggest headlines this year?
It was another memorable year for the state of Michigan.
Supreme Court order complicates conversation as paid family leave bills move to Senate floor
Members of the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee on Thursday voted to advance policy creating a state-level paid family leave program, amid frustrations with a separate paid sick leave policy put in place through a decision by the state Supreme Court.
Michigan Dems advance bill that would protect your private health data
A bill headed to a vote in the state House of Representatives aims to stop Michiganders’ private reproductive health data from being shared and sold without consent.
Clean energy advocates face off against big utility companies, urge Michigan lawmakers to pass community solar bills
More than 30 clean energy advocacy organizations are calling on Democratic state lawmakers to take up legislation that would expand access to solar energy in Michigan.
Michigan Senate passes increase to state unemployment benefits up to 26 weeks
Michigan could increase the value of unemployment payments and allow individuals to be eligible for longer under legislation that cleared the state Senate with bipartisan support Thursday.
Michigan lawmakers and gun violence survivors call for action on gun safety reforms
Time is running out on a handful of gun safety bills in the Michigan legislature as the session nears its end this month.
Michigan Dems advance bills requiring insurance companies to cover birth control
Private insurance companies and Medicaid could soon be required to provide coverage for birth control and other forms of contraception to Michiganders.
Detroit Mayor Duggan, a longtime Democrat, will run for Michigan governor in 2026 as independent
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, says he will run for governor as an independent in 2026.
Michigan Democrats race to pass key bills before Republicans take over state House
Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) anticipates long days—and late nights—in Lansing as Democrats push to pass several bills before the holidays.
Federal funds to boost Michigan hydrogen production—and build ‘Truck Stop of the Future’
More than $22 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is set to boost hydrogen production in Michigan.
Clock ticks on charter school reforms as Michigan House Dems prepare to lose majority
Democratic state lawmakers only have a few weeks left to pass legislation that would require more transparency—and more accountability—for Michigan’s charter schools.
Michigan leaders push Dems to close tax ‘loophole’ for Big Box stores
Community leaders are calling on Democratic state lawmakers to use their final weeks in full control of this year’s legislative session to put an end to the so-called “Dark Store” tax theory that large retailers across Michigan have used to lower their property taxes.
‘Fix the damn system’: Parents of Oxford shooting victims call for state investigation
Parents of the victims of the Oxford High School shooting gathered Monday for a news conference to call on the state to open an independent investigation into the events that led to the shooting.
Q&A: Meet Democratic House Minority Leader Elect Ranjeev Puri and his plans for 2025
Democratic state lawmakers in the Michigan House of Representatives have selected a new slate of leadership to help them navigate next year’s legislative session.
Planning Commission takes step to prep land for massive new manufacturing project near Flint
A vote this week at the Mundy Township Planning Commission is set to help advance ongoing plans for a massive new manufacturing facility in Genesee County.
Michigan Dem pitches bill to hike corporate taxes, divert state spending to schools
Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) aims to raise Michigan’s corporate income tax rate—and invest billions of dollars into public schools.
Michigan House OKs bills banning guns at polling places, providing more education on safe storage
In party-line votes Wednesday, Michigan House Democrats concurred with the Senate on the final versions of two bills banning firearms from polling places.
Lawsuit temporarily halts ballot retabulation in disputed Michigan House race
The re-tabulation of votes continued Wednesday in Calhoun County after a lawsuit briefly delayed the process that will determine the winner of a key state House seat.
Free birth control and contraceptives now available at 300+ locations in Michigan
A new state-funded program is providing access to free contraception and birth control for Michigan families—regardless of whether it’s covered by insurance.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says next year will be his last in office; mum on his plans afterward
Mike Duggan says the coming year will be his last as Detroit mayor, amid growing speculation he’s among the Democrats likely to launch a gubernatorial campaign to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Palisades nuclear plant along Lake Michigan plans for a 2025 comeback, a 1st in the US
Employees are in training to work at the Palisades nuclear reactor in Southwest Michigan by the time it reopens in October 2025.
Reports break down the benefits of paid family and medical leave programs
With the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) releasing two reports outlining the potential benefits of a state paid leave program, members of the MI Paid Leave for All Coalition are continuing to press lawmakers to move forward with bills establishing family and medical leave programs.