MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Labor advocates who have opposed the laws from their inception say that they have taken resources away from unions

But because we have something more exciting... another edition of your weekly guide to Michigan politics! How Mallory McMorrow became a fundraising force in Michigan politicsSen. Mallory McMorrow pictured in the Senate Chambers at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Neil Blake | MLive.comNeil Blake | MLive.comNew campaign finance records illustrate the financial rewards of a single viral moment and how they catapulted Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, onto the national political stage. It started with a fundraising email from fellow state Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, back in April 2022. The email said, “progressive social media trolls like Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Snowflake)” are outraged they “can’t groom and sexualize kindergartners,” among other claims.

The reception — which was organized by The Arab American News Publisher Osama Siblani and the Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC) founder Ali Jawad — was attended by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist; House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit); State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), the floor leader of the Democratic majority in the House, and representatives of Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and parts of Detroit, Alabas Farhat and Erin Byrnes. Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad Turfe, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi, Hamtramck Mayor Amir Ghalib, Westland Mayor Michael Londeau, as well as many local and county judges, jurists, municipal officials, educators and community leaders in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck also attended the reception. The last midterm elections — on November 8 — resulted in the victories of Farhat (District 3), Karen Whitsett (District 4) and Byrnes (District 15) in the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights seats in the State House in Lansing. Aiyash was the first Arab American and the first Muslim to hold such a leadership position.

The move, as detailed within House Bill 4001, would also send $180 rebate checks to each of Michigan’s single filer taxpayers; joint filers would get $180 cumulatively. The two chambers had long settled on raising the EITC from 6% to 30% and making the move retroactive to the 2022 tax year. The Michigan Department of Treasury estimates it would cost approximately $925,000 to retroactively distribute EITC refunds for the 2022 tax year. That fund would be used to issue a rebate of $180 to each eligible taxpayer for the 2022 tax year. Without, the checks could not be sent prior to that April deadline and it would seem imminent the automatic income tax rollback would be triggered for all Michiganders.

The Michigan legislature is ramping up to get back to work, with the first committees of the year scheduled to start Tuesday, Jan. 24. Both Democrats and Republicans have somewhat similar plans to roll back a tax on income for retirement pensions, along with a way to raise a tax credit for low- to-moderate income families. Michigan’s current income tax rate sits at 4.25%, though could be decreased to 4.05% this year because of the trigger. However state treasury officials are estimating Michigan will see a $9.2 billion surplus at the end of this fiscal year, increasing the likelihood that all that cash could trigger a cut in the state income tax. RELATED: Michigan redistricting panel still in funding hole despite $1.5M billMichigan House of Representatives take their oaths during first session of the year at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.

A bill has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives that would restore the ability for people in prison to earn time off their sentences with good behavior.

Across the country, LGBTQ+ candidates broke barriers Tuesday as part of a new generation of politicians elected to office. In a historic first, LGBTQ+ Americans were on the ballot in all 50 states, a record 678 candidates.

Hamtramck-native Abraham Aiyash will become the first Arab American to be a majority leader in a state legislature next term after he was selected by his

Democratic state Rep. Joe Tate made history Thursday after he was selected to lead the Michigan House of Representatives in the upcoming 102nd Legislature as the first Black person ever to do so. Tate, D-Detroit, is additionally not only the first Black lawmaker to become speaker of the House but the first Black lawmaker to ever oversee either of Michigan’s legislative chambers. He was overwhelmingly reelected under new maps to Michigan’s 10th House district with 68.4% of the vote to his Republican opponent’s 31.6%. A graduate of Western Michigan University and WMU’s Cooley Law School, Hall previously worked was a constitutional attorney in the Department of Attorney General. Hall was first elected in 2018 as well, nabbing 56% of the vote in Michigan’s 63rd House district.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — State Rep. Matt Hall, R-Comstock Township, is headed back to the Michigan House of Representatives, where he will serve his third term. Related: Kalamazoo’s decriminalization of public urinating, littering would be overturned if state bill passesIn September, Hall proposed state legislation that would overrule the city of Kalamazoo’s new city rules involving the decriminalization of public urination, defecation and littering. If approved by lawmakers in both chambers and signed by the governor, House Bill 6367 would prohibit local units of government from decriminalizing forms of public defecation, public urination or littering. The bill was passed by the state House on Sept. 28 and referred to the state Senate’s Local Governance Committee on Oct. 13. Also on MLive:Kalamazoo Democrat Sean McCann wins second term as state senatorProposal 3 passes, etching abortion rights into Michigan ConstitutionDemocrats could take control of Michigan Senate and House

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Republican Phil Green will return to the Michigan House of Representatives, the Associated Press has projected. Democratic challenger Brian A. LaJoie, a builder from the Lapeer area, received 35.2 percent of votes cast in the Tuesday, Nov. 8, general election. Green currently represents the 84th District in the House after having first been elected in 2018. It includes the northeastern corner of Genesee County as well as part of Lapeer County. Read more at The Flint Journal:Neeley, Weaver and Flint voters waiting for results in race for mayorResults are in on Clio medical marijuana, other Genesee County proposalsYour guide to every proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot in Genesee County

KALAMAZOO, MI — Republican Matt Hall looks to be headed for his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives, although many absentee ballots are yet to be counted. As of 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, Hall leads Democratic challenger Justin Mendoza with 19,898 to Mendoza’s 14,404 votes in the race to serve the newly drawn 42nd District for the next two years. It also includes the Allegan County township of Gun Plain, part of Otsego Township and the cities of Otsego and Plainwell. Mendoza, who serves as an advocacy lead in U.S. Health Policy at Partners in Health, has a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and neuroscience from Central Michigan University, and a master’s degree in health policy and regulatory affairs from Yale University. Also on MLive:9 tips for watching Michigan’s election results like a political proLooking for Michigan election results?

KALAMAZOO, MI — The race to serve the next two years in the newly drawn 40th State House District appears to be taking shape. Democrat Christine Morse, who currently represents the 61st District in the Michigan House of Representatives is holding a slim lead against Republican challenger Kelly Sackett. Related: Democrat lawmaker faces Republican challenger in Michigan House District 40 raceThe newly drawn District 40 contains Portage, Texas Township and parts of Oshtemo Township and the city of Kalamazoo. Morse, who has a bachelor’s degree in political science/pre-law from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School, serves as assistant whip for the House Democratic Caucus. Also on MLive:9 tips for watching Michigan’s election results like a political proLooking for Michigan election results?

KALAMAZOO, MI — Democrat lawmaker Julie Rogers appears to be headed to her second, two-year term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Related: 3 compete for State House seat representing portion of Kalamazoo, PortageFormed in the recent redistricting process, the 41st State House district includes a portion of the city of Kalamazoo, as well as parts of Kalamazoo Township and the city of Portage. Prior to being elected to the state house in 2020, she served eight years on the Kalamazoo County Commission. Haines, who defeated Republican Ben Stanley in the August primary, has a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and is retired. Also on MLive:9 tips for watching Michigan’s election results like a political proLooking for Michigan election results?

Democrats are hoping to take control of the Senate for the first time in decades as Republicans seek to keep their control over both Michigan chambers. Tisdel was first elected in what was the 45th House district in 2020 with 52 percent of the vote. 11th state Senate district: Sen. Mike MacDonald, R-Macomb v. Democrat Veronica KlinefeltIn this toss-up district, Klinefelt raised $296,708 to MacDonald who raised $169,987. She received a staggering amount – nearly $2 million – of in-kind support during the period from the Senate Republican Campaign Committee. 35th state Senate district: Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland v. Democrat Kristen McDonald RivetGlenn, who has served two of three possible terms in the Michigan House, could be one of the deciding factors in if Republicans retain Senate control.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Representation in the state Legislature and a controversial judge race are among those that will be decided at Tuesday’s mid-term election in Muskegon County. Muskegon County has a handy online tool that helps voters determine their polling place locations and view their ballots. The newly drawn 87th House district is entirely within Muskegon County and includes urban Muskegon and Muskegon Heights and more rural areas north of North Muskegon along the shore and east along M-120 to Twin Lake. Brian Hosticka, a Democrat from Whitehall, and Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, are seeking the 102nd state House seat. Hosticka has run a solo law practice and also worked as an assistant prosecutor for Muskegon County.

Maurice Imhoff is on the election ballot as a candidate for the new 46th District, covering Jackson and reaching east into parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties, including Chelsea. Related: Democratic candidate for Jackson, Washtenaw County state House seat ends campaignBased on a large amount of community support Imhoff said he has received since then, he announced on Friday, Oct. 21, that he has reconsidered the suspension of his campaign. The Washtenaw County Democratic Party executive board, House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski and Gov. Related: Democrats pull support for candidate running for Jackson, Washtenaw County state House seatImhoff faces Republican Kathy Schmaltz in the Nov. 8 election. More Jackson County election stories can be found here.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Republican Phil Green is seeking to stay in the Michigan House of Representatives and faces Democratic challenger Brian A. LaJoie in the new 67th District in the Nov. 8 general election. Green currently represents the 84th District in the House after having first been elected in 2018. LaJoie is a builder.

Michigan House Republicans recently introduced legislation that could have the potential to throw parents and doctors in prison for life for offering gender-affirming care to children under the age of 18. Under House Bill 6454, parents consenting to or assisting with a gender transition procedure for a child would be guilty of first-degree child abuse, which constitutes a maximum life sentence. Equality Michigan sent out an action alert about House Bill 6454, saying the bill would be “disastrous” for transgender youth and their families. “Gender affirming care is medically necessary and life-saving care for transgender youth,” Erin Knott, Executive Director of Equality Michigan, said in a statement. When asked about the severity of the penalties described in the bill, LaFave said he’ll leave it up to the legislature to decide whether to change them, but that he’s against it.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Two candidates, one of whom won a four-way primary race, are competing in the November election to represent a large section of Muskegon County in the state House. Democrat Will Snyder, who beat out three candidates in the August primary, and Republican Michael L. Haueisen are running for the 87th District seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.

State House and Senate districts were redrawn following the 2020 census. Hardmon: I believe the state needs to provide more funding for school districts. School districts need to pay teachers more to retain them. ELECTIONS: What state policies do you support regarding Michigan elections, campaign funding and voting rights? Provide incentives for high performing educators to teach in school districts located in minority communities.

Voters will see a familiar face, as well as a newcomer on their ballot for the Nov. 8 general election for District 45′s state representative. Voters will see a familiar face, as well as a newcomer on their ballot for the Nov. 8 General Election for State Representative District 45. The two major parties should hold internal party conventions to determine their party nominees for the general election. Use the funds saved by the elimination of the primary elections to expand the period the general election is conducted. I would suggest the voting precincts be open from the Saturday before the Tuesday general election through the Tuesday general election from 6 am – 9 pm daily.

FLINT, MI -- Redistricting put all of the city of Flint in a single district in the Michigan House of Representatives, setting up the Nov. 8 election between Democrat state Rep. Cynthia Neeley and Republican Tim Butler. Neeley is serving her first full term in state House, representing the 34th District. ECONOMIC SECURITY: What policies do you support to help Michigan residents improve their economic positions? ELECTIONS: What state policies do you support regarding Michigan elections, campaign funding and voting rights? ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: What actions or policies do you support to protect Michigan’s water, air and land for current and future generations?

JACKSON, MI – A new restaurant is coming to Jackson soon, bringing residents a whole new flavor of Mexican cuisine. La Esquina Mexican Café is bringing new authentic Mexican food to JacksonA new Mexican restaurant is coming to Jackson soon. Gun-wielding arson suspect found hiding in treeA 63-year-old Jackson County man accused of arson and unlawfully using a firearm was arrested after being found hiding in a tree, police said. Man charged with murder in fatal shooting of Jackson County womanA man accused of shooting and killing a 24-year-old Jackson County woman has been charged with several felonies, officials said. I-94 construction update: Some ramps are open, others are closing in Jackson CountyI-94 ramps and roads long under construction in the Jackson County area are reopening, but more closures are on the way.

During his campaign, Imhoff was aiming to become the youngest state legislator in state history. MLive has requested copies of reports from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety. “I have decided to end my campaign.”The Washtenaw County Democratic Party executive board, House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski and Gov. In his statement, Imhoff said he would donate his campaign funds to Rise Above, a Jackson school that focuses on credit recovery and relationship restoration. He also is founder and president of the Jackson County Historical Society and president of the Jackson Civil War Society, which hosts the county’s annual Civil War Muster.

Democratic Ypsilanti Township Trustee Jimmie Wilson Jr. will face Republican Martin Church, an Ypsilanti business owner and information technology specialist, in the race for the 32nd House District seat. In the heavily Democratic district covering all of the city of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and pieces of Pittsfield and Superior townships, Wilson holds a strong advantage. Click here)MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. EDUCATION: What should Michigan do, if anything, to 1) provide an equitable, quality public education for all students and 2) address the shortage of teachers? You will never have equitable or quality in the public education.

A Muskegon County attorney and a state senator from Ludington will face off in November’s general election for the new 102nd state House seat. COVID showed how critical mental health support is. But the root of the problem is that there are those who relentlessly attack public schools with distorted facts or outright lies in order to undermine confidence in public schools. I believe that we need to repeal the State tax on pension income, but also 401k income. Covid highlighted the crisis of student mental health in our state and country, and it exposed dire needs in our children’s care.

House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Township, told MLive the event typically occurs on a session day and is coordinated by the majority floor leader office. But the lower chamber was notified late Wednesday, Sept. 7, that the body would not be convening Sept. 8 making the event effectively cancelled. Lawmakers in the days leading up to the anniversary have announced in-district events to honor first responders. Both Rep. Graham Filler, R-Greenbush Township, and Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, are hosting a mural unveiling in St. Johns on Sept. 11 to honor first responders. Other honoring ceremonies are likely to occur on that date as well, Lasinski added, but in legislators’ districts.

Republican nominee James DeSana will now face off against Democrat Alex Garza for District 29 of the Michigan House of Representatives this November.

Republican Jamie Thompson will face Democrat Robert Kull in November's midterm election for District 28 in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Republican Dale Biniecki will face Democrat Reggie Miller for District 31 of the Michigan House of Representatives in the November 2022 primary.

After securing 60% of the vote in the Aug. 2 primary, Republican Terry Haines is set to face Democrat Julie Rogers to represent the 41st District in the Michigan House of Representatives. Rogers, who currently represents the 60th state House district, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and had secured 8,695 votes as of Wednesday morning. The AP called the election between Haines and Stanley shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3. Stanley, Haines’ opponent, previously ran for Kalamazoo City Commission and the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The 41st district, centering Kalamazoo and Portage, was created this year following the redrawing of district lines.

Terry Haines was leading in the race for the Republican nomination for the 41st District in the Michigan House of Representatives, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election. The winner will face off against incumbent Democrat Julie Rogers, who currently represents the 60th state House district. On his website, Haines discusses lowering gas prices, fighting for voter integrity, minimizing lockdown mandates and fighting for Second Amendment rights as his highlighted causes. Stanley previously ran for Kalamazoo City Commission and the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The map below shows the new boundaries for state House Districts 40, 41, 42 and 45 in Kalamazoo County.

Matt Hall is headed toward victory in the Republican primary for the 42nd District in the Michigan House of Representatives, according to unofficial election results in Tuesday’s primary election. The Associated Press called the 42nd House District race for Hall at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, with 65.5% of votes counted. The 42nd Michigan House District was newly redrawn this year, and includes several townships within Kalamazoo and Allegan Counties. See the map below for the newly defined boundaries for state House Districts 40, 41, 42 and 45 in Kalamazoo County. More on MLive:Kalamazoo County election results for Aug. 2, 2022Michigan U.S. House election results for Aug. 2, 2022Michigan State Senate election results for Aug. 2, 2022Michigan State House districts election results for Aug. 2, 2022

JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- Voters in Jackson County will head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 2, to decide the fate of candidates seeking county commission, U.S. congress and state House and Senate seats. However, Jackson County resident Val Cochran Toops is also on the primary ballot as a Democrat. Livingston County Republicans Jason Negri and Jason Woolford are on the ballot. Read more: Meet the 2 Republicans running for the District 3 Jackson County board seatDistrict 7Two Republicans also are on the ballot for District 7. Read more: 2 Republicans seeking District 7 seat on Jackson County Board of CommissionersDistrict 8Two Democrats are seeking a seat in District 8.

Protesters inside the Michigan House of Representatives in Lansing shouted through multiple votes Wednesday afternoon after session began, disrupting normal proceedings for nearly half an hour. Abortion-rights demonstrators lined the state House gallery, chanting above lawmakers as House leaders did their best to move through regular business and vote on bills. As demonstrators yelled from the gallery, Speaker Pro-Tempore Pamela Hornberger, R-Chesterfield, attempted to direct proceedings as usual. A Wednesday afternoon Facebook event by the organization says it planned to “enter the capitol to voice our demand that the legislature repeal the 1931 Michigan abortion ban.”“We aim to make our voices heard and disrupt business as usual!” the event said. Gretchen Whitmer has said she wants the state Supreme Court to overturn the law.

The Michigan House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a personal finance education bill by a vote of 94-13.

LANSING, MI – The Michigan House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill to ease regulatory requirements for nursing homes and make it easier to provide quality care. House Bill 5609, introduced by state Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, would reform licensing, inspection and reporting requirements for Michigan nursing facilities, which are done by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The bill aims to standardize the scope and severity of nursing home citations, as well as improve the timeliness to make sure they are corrected. “We were having providers leave the state,” Kahle told MLive, “because it was too onerous and too inconsistent on this survey process.”The Health Care Association of Michigan, which represents long-term care facilities, supports the bill. Four voted against the bill: state Reps. Jim Haadsma, D-Battle Creek; Cynthia Johnson, D-Detroit; Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor; and Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo.

LANSING, MI – A bill passed by the Michigan House of Representatives Thursday would study how the state could add more nuclear plants after one of the state’s existing plants closes. House Bill 6019, sent to the state Senate after passing in an 85-20 vote Thursday, May 19, would require the Michigan Public Service Commission to hire an outside consultant to study the feasibility of new nuclear energy generation. If the bill is enacted, the commission would deliver its findings to the governor and legislative leadership within 18 months, including possible sites for new nuclear power plants in Michigan.

LANSING, MI – Michigan voters will consider a resolution on the November 2022 ballot that would reform term limits for state elected officials and increase financial transparency among officeholders. That is a slightly shorter stint than the total 14 years in office allowed under the state’s current term limits. The resolution approved by the legislature Tuesday proposes the same changes to term limits as was proposed by the Voters for Transparency and Term Limits ballot committee. The last time Michigan voters approved a change to the state’s term limits was in 1992, when voters approved the amendment creating the state’s current limits. Currently, Michigan House of Representatives members can serve up to three two-year terms, for a total of six years, in the 110-member chamber.

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Republican Party took center stage this week following a chaotic endorsement convention which marked big wins for Trump-backed candidates. Several candidates endorsed by the former president won the Michigan Republican Party’s endorsements at the party’s convention in Grand Rapids Saturday, April 23. Here’s what you missed this week in Michigan politics:Trump still supreme among Michigan Republicans. The state party’s endorsements last weekend were a win for Donald Trump and his supporters. WhitmerMost Michigan families used extra Child Tax Credit cash to buy foodTrump still supreme among Michigan Republicans.

LANSING, MI — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is encouraging voters to hand-deliver their absentee ballots ahead of the May 3 election. Calls to hand-deliver absentee ballots from the Secretary of State come as there is one week left before May 3 elections in dozens of jurisdictions across Michigan. May 3 elections across the state will include races to fill four vacancies in the Michigan House of Representatives, while the rest of the elections are for millages or local-level elected positions. “As Election Day approaches, voters should drop off their absentee ballot to their local clerk’s office or secure ballot drop box,” Benson said. Voters who are already registered and would like to vote absentee can request an absentee ballot at their local clerk’s office until 4 p.m. Monday, May 2.

Click here)WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - An Ann Arbor Democrat seeking to make the jump to statewide office has one Republican challenger in the race for a new Michigan State House seat stretching between Ann Arbor and South Lyon. Current Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Morgan of Ann Arbor and Wayne County Republican Richard L. Sharland of Plymouth Township have filed to run to represent the newly-drawn 23rd Michigan House of Representatives District in Lansing. The district covers much of downtown Ann Arbor, including the University of Michigan’s Central Campus, before stretching east into Ann Arbor and Superior townships. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. More from The Ann Arbor News:What new Congressional, legislative maps mean for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County votersSee who’s running for new Ann Arbor-area seat in CongressHere’s who’s running for new Michigan House seat in Ypsilanti areaSee who’s running for Michigan’s new 15th District Senate seat in Ann Arbor areaSee who’s running for new 33rd District state House seat in Ann Arbor area

A post office in northern Baraga County, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, would be renamed after the first woman elected to the Michigan House of Representatives under new legislation that has advanced through the U.S. Senate. Senators Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing — seeks to honor Cora Reynolds Anderson, Michigan’s first female state representative. Anderson was elected to the state House in 1925 and represented Baraga, Iron, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties. “As the first Native American woman to serve in any state legislature, she remains an extraordinary part of our nation’s history. “Naming a post office in Baraga County after this pioneer will help uphold her legacy for generations to come.

People that know me, they know I’m not antisemitic, they know I’m not a racist, they know I’m not a homophobe,” he said. None of them have anything to do with the issues.”Regan won the Republican primary for the 74th state House District by 81 votes against three other members of his party on Tuesday, March 1. Regan now goes on to face Democrat Carol Glanville on May 3 in the special election for the 74th state House District seat. Due to redistricting, new state House districts will be in play during the fall election cycle. Regan said he plans to run in the August primary and the November election for the 84th state House District.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – As many around the world condemn Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a Republican primary winner vying for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives says Ukraine shares blame. Robert Regan, now the heavy favorite to win the Republican-leaning 74th state House District seat in Kent County, told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press he doesn’t agree with the “mainstream media” narrative that Ukraine is completely innocent for its part in the Russian invasion that began Feb. 24.

KENT COUNTY, MI – Robert Regan is the unofficial winner of the Republican primary for a Michigan House of Representatives seat. The county clerk’s office reported all the unofficial results in by about 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Kent County election reporting website. Related: 5 candidates running to fill vacant state House seat for Kent County. The March and May elections are the last ones for the 74th state House District because of redistricting changes. Those running in the special election for the 74th state House District are able to run again in the August primary and November general election for the new districts.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A member of the Grand Rapids Board of Education announced Friday, Feb. 25 that he is running to represent the newly created 83rd state House District. The new 83rd State House District includes the majority of Wyoming as well as Grand Rapids’ Southwest Side and a portion of Cutlerville. “(As a school board member,) I wanted to make sure I was able to lead without being necessarily the leader,” Flores told MLive/The Grand Rapids press Feb. 25. “So, looking at the demographics, they looked a little more favorable.”Under the new maps, there are now 10 state House seats with districts entirely or partially in Kent County, compared to seven state House districts split across Kent County in the previous maps. More on MLive:Masks will not be required at Grand Rapids Public Schools starting Monday, Feb. 283 brothers killed in pond crash were ‘joyful and active,’ family’s obituary saysNew taco, tequila restaurant to open in downtown Grand Rapids

The Michigan House of Representatives voted this week to officially designate the Mackinac Bridge and other major bridges in the state as critical infrastructure. The Mackinac Bridge — which has linked Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas since it opened to traffic in 1957 — is not currently designated as a “key facility” under state law. Two bomb threats at the bridge this summer also threw the bridge’s security into the spotlight, prompting an updated safety assessment last year. To become law, it would need to pass both chambers of the Legislature and be signed by the governor. Related: Mackinac Bridge reopened following bomb threat

CLINTON COUNTY, MI — Michigan State Police are searching the home of Rob Minard, who served as chief of staff for former House Speaker Lee Chatfield. A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office also confirmed the raid on the Bath Township home of Anne and Rob Minard. The Michigan House of Representatives has offered its assistance in law enforcement probes into former Lee Chatfield, although the chamber isn’t currently planning its own internal investigation. House members and staff were asked to retain information pertaining to Chatfield’s time in office. Rebekah Chatfield, Chatfield’s sister-in-law, identified herself publicly in a January Bridge Michigan article.

Similar bills are being considered in other states driven by conservative politicians concerned about how schools teach about race.

LANSING, MI — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is assisting Michigan State Police in its investigation of the allegations of abuse carried out by former state House speaker Lee Chatfield against his sister-in-law. White represented many of the survivors of convicted sexual abuser Larry Nassar and currently represents several Robert Anderson sexual assault survivors. The Michigan House of Representatives has offered its assistance in law enforcement probes into former House Speaker Lee Chatfield, although the chamber isn’t currently planning its own internal investigation. Rebekah Chatfield, Chatfield’s sister-in-law, identified herself publicly in a January Bridge Michigan article. READ MORE FROM MLIVE:Michigan House assisting police in Chatfield investigation, not currently planning its ownFormer House Speaker Lee Chatfield admits affair, denies sexual assault allegations from sister-in-lawFormer House Speaker under investigation for alleged sexual assault, attorney says

"Action must be taken to protect the public’s interest," said Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth.

Here are this morning's top stories.

Michigan House of Representatives approved a new state budget Thursday before the July 1 deadline, including record funding for local schools.

A bill banning COVID-19 vaccine passports in Michigan is heading to the state Senate.

The video captures police taking Jones to the ground as they continue to struggle with him.

A new report from the Michigan State Police claims state Representative Jewell Jones threatened to call Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during his April 6 arrest on I-96.

Michigan state Representative Jewell Jones was arraigned Friday on several charges in connection with a collision in Fowlerville.

Michigan state representative Jewell Jones is facing several charges in connection with a collision in Fowlerville last week.

Michigan legislators from both sides of the aisle sent a join letter to Michigan State University Thursday requesting thousands of documents related to the Larry Nassar investigation be released. UPDATE: Michigan AG: Michigan State University refuses to release Nassar documents, investigation forced to closeLed by Michigan Reps. Ryan Berman and Julie Brixie and state Sen. Curtis Hertel, a coalition of nearly 50 Michigan state lawmakers are calling on the MSU Board of Trustees to waive privilege for about 6,000 documents that are related to the investigation of former MSU and USA Gymnastics sports physician Nassar. However, the Attorney General’s Office cannot complete its investigation without your cooperation and the release of these documents. Ad“Full transparency is essential to restoring public trust,” the legislators wrote to the MSU Board of Trustees. You have the opportunity to ensure this happens.”You can see the legislators’ entire letter to Michigan State University below.

DETROIT – Members of Michigan’s House of Representatives want to remove a Republican colleague from office for attending the rally in Washington, D.C. that preceded the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building that left five dead. RELATED: ‘They didn’t care if they hurt people’ -- Michigan lawmakers react to deadly DC riotsRep. Matt Maddock and his wife Meshawn are vocal supporters of President Donald Trump and have tried to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in Michigan. Matt Maddock and Meshawn -- who is expected to become the next Republican Party Co-Chair -- spent much of Thursday in closed-door meetings. Matt Maddock was sworn into the Michigan House of Representatives Wednesday. “What we are seeing play out across our country right now is deeply concerning,” Whitmer said.

DEARBORN, Mich. – Michigan state Representative Abdullah Hammoud says he has tested positive for the coronavirus. On Jan. 8, Rep. Hammoud released a statement saying he has tested positive for COVID-19, but he is feeling well. Today, I tested positive for COVID-19. Although the Michigan Legislature is scheduled to reconvene next week, I will return to session once it is safe for me to do so. Rep. Abdullah Hammoud

In social media postings Sunday, the president's campaign organization targeted Chatfield and Lee Shirkey, a Republican and the Senate majority leader. An email message seeking comment was sent to a Trump campaign spokesman. No legal avenue remains for the Trump campaign to change the outcome in Michigan, said Tracy Wimmer, spokeswoman for the secretary of state's office, which oversees elections. Rose's phone number was still on the campaign's Facebook post Monday evening. Although none of the callers made threats, Rose plans to get a new phone number — pronto.

DETROIT – An investigation has been launched into the Michigan House of Representatives over possible workplace violations, confirmed Camara Lewis, communications representative for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. According to Lewis, the investigation was launched based on an employee complaint from the Michigan House of Representatives. “To confirm, MIOSHA has initiated an investigation based on an employee complaint from the Michigan House of Representatives. The investigation will focus on all employees affected by the complaint items. MIOSHA has the authority to issue penalties to all employers in its jurisdiction,” said Lewis in a statement released to Local 4 News.

LANSING, Mich. – A day after it was announced that the FBI uncovered a plot to kidnap Gov. “The fact of the matter is I have a job to do and I’m going to do my job” she said. Whitmer also wrote a piece for the Washington Post about the ordeal, which she continues to blame President Trump for the plot. The charging documents on all 13 men connected to either the kidnap plot or accused of broader anti-government activities read that they were spurred to action because they believed Whitmer’s COVID-19 lockdown orders were unconstitutional. Caserta was no fan of President Donald Trump but others, like Pete Musico, were.

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. Brenda Hill ran for election to the Michigan House of Representatives to represent the 10th state senate district in Detroit and Redford. She lost in the Aug. 4 Primary, but she said something didnt seem right with the results and is calling for the Secretary of State to launch an investigation. Many absentee ballots ended up counted the day after the election and Hill is calling foul. Prior to election day, there was a lot of drama as the township clerk was ordered out of city hall because of alleged improprieties. RELATED: Michigan Primary Election 2020: How to track your ballot