MICHIGAN SENATE

In the first Senate session day since July, a resolution voted along party lines condemning controversial Michigan Department of Education (MDE) teacher training videos was adopted in the Michigan Senate Monday, Sept. 20. Shirkey himself said that it feels like “Groundhog Day”— being that parents have to repeatedly reaffirm their role in their child’s education. Like other democrats who spoke out against the resolution, Senator Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, felt like this resolution was nothing more than an attack on LGBTQ kids by Republicans . The latest state data reports that about eight percent of Michigan high school students identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Moss ended his speech with a message to LGBTQ youth in Michigan, encouraging them to “endure” despite anti-LGBTQ discourse playing out publicly in the political sphere.

Maintaining ownership of the land ensures that the home cannot be “flipped” to another buyer at a market rate. The bills plan to address tax burdens passed onto already income-limited homeowners and which may make sponsoring CLT mortgages more difficult. According to the Michigan Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, about 50% of renters and 25% of homeowners pay too much for housing in the state. Ross said she sees the legislation to strengthen CLTs as a way for families to achieve the dream of one day becoming homeowners. “We are in an affordable housing crisis, and at the very depth of this crisis are low-income families with hopes of homeownership,” Ross said.

Democrats in the Michigan Senate are taking advantage of their first real chance at flipping the Senate blue this general election after almost 40 years of Republican leadership. The Michigan Senate has been in a Republican majority since 1984, a fact that Senate Democrats have made a top priority to change in this election cycle. Since the 1960s, Democrats have only taken the Senate majority three times compared to 13 by the Republicans. The 12th Senate district- Rep. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, is running against Rep. Pamela Hornberger, R-Chesterfield. Democratic candidates are left with over $2.3 million in cash on hand, while Republican candidates have about $490,000.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Washtenaw County voters are deciding contested primaries in local elections and a significant tax proposal for public transit while also choosing from a slew of state House and Senate candidates during the election on Tuesday, Aug. 2. On the ballot are key mayoral and City Council races in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, as well as the millage proposal for bus services from the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide. County voters will also pick their favored candidates in nine contested primaries for seats in the state Legislature in newly drawn districts, and three contested county board of commissioners races. Read more: Your guide to what’s on the Aug. 2 primary election ballot in Washtenaw CountyThe polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Nearly $1M in campaign cash pumped into Ann Arbor-area Michigan House, Senate races9 members of Washtenaw County school boards not seeking re-election

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.

Popular cosmetic treatments could see more stringent regulations in the future under a bill that was recently introduced in the Michigan Senate. Botulinum Toxin Type A, more commonly known as Botox, and dermal fillers will only be able to be administered by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner under Senate Bill 1068. Bill sponsor Sen. Paul Wojno, D-Warren, said that Michigan doesn’t have proper legislation in place to enforce regulations surrounding these injectable treatments, like some other states. “If somebody’s going to be utilizing Botox, they should be certified and have the proper training,” Wojno said. There are medical reasons one may need to receive Botox treatments, such as severe migraines, chronic sweating or muscle spasms.

Redistricting is the process of enacting new congressional and state legislative district boundaries based on updated population data.

With Pride Month coming to a close, Michigan Democrats in the legislature are continuing to push for recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Michiganders. The resolution, introduced by Moss, would recognize June as the annual LGBTQ Pride Month in the Michigan Senate. As of Wednesday, the Senate Resolution still has yet to be approved, even after being introduced twice earlier in the month. “This agenda that they have of division prevents us from getting work done on behalf of the state of Michigan,” Moss said. House Resolution 322, which officially recognizes Pride Month in the state House, was approved on Tuesday, June 21.

With the Midterm Elections approaching and absentee voter ballots arriving, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the new districts, your ballot and candidates might look a little different. In this article, you’ll find candidates listed by district as well as maps of new district lines.

You’re swimming in sparking blue water at your local public pool, and you have a cool, refreshing cocktail in hand. State lawmakers have proposed legislation that would change the state’s law to allow swim-up bars at public pools, including hotels and other tourist attractions. House Bills 5983 and 5984 would allow public swimming pools in Michigan to serve food and beverages to swimmers under certain safety guidelines. State Rep. Rodney Wakeman, R-Frankenmuth, who co-sponsored the bills, said permitting swim-up bars would help boost Michigan’s tourism industry. Under current state law, pool operators are prohibited from serving food and beverages in a public swimming pool.

Michigan State Senator Dayne Polehanki knows a thing or two about what it’s like to run a classroom.

Michigan Republicans have again blocked any sort of movement on gun safety laws introduced by Democrats after a new push following multiple mass shootings in the U.S.

Michigan Vehicle Code currently has seasonal road weight restrictions during the spring; and a tow truck pulling a vehicle might go over that limit.

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.

The Republican-led Michigan Senate on Wednesday approved a 5% increase in base funding for K-12 schools but pared back Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposals to recruit and retain teachers and did not include her proposed $1 billion fund for...

The Republican-led Michigan Senate has approved a 5% increase in base funding for K-12 schools but pared back Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposals to recruit and retain teachers and didn't include her proposed $1 billion fund for school infrastructure projects.

The Michigan Senate has overwhelmingly approved a spending bill that would fund new college scholarship program for high school graduates and increase operations funding for state universities by 11% overall.

A Democratic Michigan state senator whose passionate Senate Floor speech went viral last week is saying that her Republican colleagues are creating problems that don’t exist in an effort to rile up their supporters and avoid addressing “real issues.”

A Michigan senator’s speech went viral after she took to the Senate Floor to defend herself against unsubstantiated claims made by another lawmaker in a campaign email.

A Michigan lawmaker, mother and LGBTQ rights supporter who was accused by a Republican colleague of wanting to “groom” schoolchildren says her impassioned response resonated because people are sick of such attacks.

Click here)ANN ARBOR, MI — At least three candidates are vying for a new Ann Arbor-area seat in the Michigan Senate. The new district includes the southern half of Ann Arbor and southern and eastern portions of Washtenaw County, including Ypsilanti and Saline. Irwin represents Michigan’s 18th Senate District and is seeking a second and final four-year term, now drawn into a new district created by Michigan’s independent redistricting commission. The Ann Arbor News/MLive will be providing more in-depth candidate coverage leading up to the elections. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:See who’s running in new Michigan Senate district stretching from Ann Arbor to JacksonAnn Arbor ballots set: See the 12 people running for mayor and City CouncilDemocratic challenger emerges in Ann Arbor’s 2nd Ward council raceSee who’s running for new Ann Arbor-area seat in CongressNumber of opioid-related overdoses climbed in Washtenaw County in 2021

The 14th Senate district combines deep blue Ann Arbor with Jackson, the city that birthed the Republican Party, and more conservative areas of both Washtenaw and Jackson counties. In Jackson County, the City of Jackson and surrounding areas are part of the district, as is much of the rest of the county. The district covers all of Jackson County except for the four western townships of Springport, Parma, Concord and Pulaksi. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here, and Jackson County coverage here. More from The Ann Arbor News:See who’s running for new Ann Arbor-area seat in CongressWhat new Congressional, legislative maps mean for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County votersAnn Arbor transit system no longer requiring riders to wear masksAnn Arbor agrees to settle racial discrimination lawsuit filed by Black police officer

A Michigan state senator’s passionate speech has gone viral after she took to the Senate Floor to defend herself against unsubstantiated claims made by another lawmaker in a campaign email.

Click here)JACKSON, MI – State Sen. Kim LaSata is among two Republicans who have filed to run in the Aug. 2 primary election for a seat in Michigan’s newly drawn 17th State Senate District. The filing deadline for partisan candidates to compete in the August primary was 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 19. LaSata, R-Niles, was elected in 2018 to represent the former 21st Senate District, which covered Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. Prior to joining the state Senate, LaSata served one term in the state House of Representatives from 2017-2018, according to her website. The Jackson Citizen Patriot/MLive will be providing more in-depth candidate coverage leading up to the elections.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The leadership of the faculty union at Western Michigan University said Friday they were “deeply troubled” that the GOP-led Michigan Senate had rejected Jon Hoadley’s appointment to the Board of Trustees. Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Hoadley on Feb. 18, replacing Ron Kitchens, who had left the board. The Senate also rejected Whitmer’s appointment of Michael Ryan to the Ferris State University Board of Trustees. University board appointments are made by the governor but are subject to consent of the Michigan Senate. This action, taken without even a hearing, is counter to the spirit of open debate and student that is a hallmark for higher education institutions.

Bizon was sentenced to a year of probation for inappropriately touching a health care worker

LANSING, MI – The Republican-led Senate voted Thursday, April 14, to block two appointments to university boards recently made by Gov. The Republican-controlled Senate voted to disapprove the appointments of Michael Ryan to the Ferris State University Board of Trustees, and to disapprove the appointment of Jon Hoadley to the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees. University board appointments are made by the governor but are subject to consent of the Michigan Senate, under state law. “University boards are responsible for managing multimillion dollar budgets, setting tuitions and ensuring the quality of education for thousands of Michigan students,” Nesbitt said. He knows the challenges the university is facing, keeping costs affordable, strengthening relationships with Michigan community colleges and the K-12 schools.

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Chair Sue Shink and former Jackson City Council Member Kelsey Heck Wood each formally kicked off their campaigns for state Senate this week. I’m running for the Michigan Senate to keep open doors for those behind me,” she said in a statement announcing her run. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on Jackson City Council in 2018 but resigned in 2020 while facing a recall election. Heck Wood, who serves as secretary of the Jackson County Democrats, said that is a top priority. : Where Washtenaw County schools stand on masks after lifting of orderUkrainian-Americans fear for refugees: ‘This could create a very large humanitarian crisis’

Michigan lawmakers advanced a proposal for slashing taxes Tuesday, approving a $2.5 billion plan to cut the state income tax rate to 3.9%, expand tax breaks for seniors and put funding toward paying down pension debt. The federal government requires a state’s tax revenue to exceed the amount it took in in 2019, prior to the pandemic’s effects on the economy and government coffers. The plan is the latest in a string of tax cut proposals circulated by Michigan officials in light of record-high revenues in recent years. “We know that it’s easy to sell a tax cut,” said Rep. Yousef Rabhi during an impassioned floor speech Tuesday. Here’s what else Michigan lawmakers want exempt from sales taxesMichigan House Republicans propose income tax cut, more exemptions for seniors$2B tax cut proposal advances from Michigan Senate panelWhitmer calls for tax cuts, historic education funding and bipartisan unity in 2022 State of the State address5 ways Michigan politicians are considering lowering your taxesDidn’t read Whitmer’s budget plan?

A bill introduced in the Michigan Senate would amend the state’s school code to “strongly encourage” teachings about Native American history in the state’s schools. “It is important to recognize the fact that Indian boarding schools did exist in our state — even as recent as the mid-1980s,” Schmidt said in a press release. Michigan was home to three Indian boarding schools in Mount Pleasant, Baraga and Harbor Springs which no longer operate. “Michigan’s Indian boarding schools were created to destroy tribal culture and erase Native languages,” Irwin said. “Michigan’s dark history of violence against tribal communities should be taught in our schools, especially the story of Indian boarding schools.

Michigan House Republicans unveiled their proposal for slashing taxes Thursday, putting forward a plan to cut the state income tax rate to 3.9%, expand tax breaks for seniors and put funding towards paying down pension debt. Taken together, House Bills 5838 and 5054 propose an ongoing $1.7 billion tax cut that would bring the state income tax from 4.25% to 3.9%, offer a $20,000-per-person income tax exemption for seniors 62 and older and drop $1.5 billion in one-time funding into paying down pension debt for local governments, road commissions and the Michigan State Police. During a joint meeting of the House Tax Policy and Appropriations committees, Reps. Matt Hall, R-Marshall, and Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, made their pitch, calling the proposal a way to offer meaningful tax relief to all Michigan residents. The plan is the latest in a string of tax cut proposals circulated by Michigan officials in light of record-high revenues in recent years. Related: Michigan Senate approves massive tax cut, corporations to see biggest benefitThe Michigan Senate recently approved a plan to reduce both the individual income tax rate and the corporate income tax rate to 3.9%.

Pet foodLast week, the Michigan House Tax Policy Committee debated legislation that would exempt pet food from sales and use taxes. Similar legislation in the Senate, Senate Bills 803 and 804, are before the Senate Finance Committee. Back-to-school tax holidayRep. Nate Shannon, D-Sterling Heights, wants back-to-school shoppers to have temporary relief from the sales tax. A temporary lift on sales taxes is a tactic already used by many states around the country. According to the Federation of Tax Administrators, 17 states are planning at least one temporary sales tax holiday during 2022.

The Michigan Senate has approved cutting the personal income tax rate from 4.25% to 3.9% and cutting the corporate income tax rate from 6% to 3.9%. Gretchen Whitmer has hinted she’d veto the bill.

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Senate approved a tax cut proposal Tuesday that would slash corporate and personal income tax rates and have a big impact on the state’s revenue. Senate Bill 768, sponsored by Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, would reduce the individual income tax rate from 4.25% to 3.9%. It would also grant a larger cut to the state’s corporate income tax rate, taking it from 6.0% to 3.9%. The full scope of programs that would be affected by the financial loss generated by the tax cuts remains unclear. READ MORE FROM MLIVE:$2B tax cut proposal advances from Michigan Senate panelWhitmer calls for tax cuts, historic education funding and bipartisan unity in 2022 State of the State address5 ways Michigan politicians are considering lowering your taxes

Lawmakers passed the supplemental, HB 5523, which would appropriate approximately $1.2 billion in federal funds primarily to the state health department’s COVID-19 response. Of the money allocated to COVID-19 testing, $100 million would go to employers testing unvaccinated workers, and $90 million would contribute to vaccination efforts. Michigan still has nearly $5 billion in federal pandemic funding left unspent. The proposal passed the Senate 36-2 Tuesday, without discussion. An earlier version of the bill passed the Michigan House in December and it is expected to receive approval in the same chamber Tuesday afternoon.

A statue of Coleman Young, Detroit’s first Black mayor, would replace the full-length marble statue of Lewis Cass in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall under a proposal put forth by Michigan Senate Democrats. Historically, Michigan has had a Republican and a Democrat represented in the Statuary Hall. Prior to his 20-year tenure as mayor of Detroit, Young served in the military and was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, and also served in the Michigan Senate. Democratic members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation have previously encouraged state lawmakers to replace the Cass statue. But even if approved, it will likely be a while before visitors to the Statuary Hall would see a new representative from Michigan.

Democrats in the Michigan Senate want to remove a statue of a former U.S. senator from the state who supported slavery.

LANSING, MI — After the COVID pandemic helped drive a shift in leadership on the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, a Michigan lawmaker is stepping in with a plan to help members who cannot attend in-person meetings. “Specifically for the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, COVID has impacted the ability of the full board to complete County business. With Strebs voting in support, the board selected Health Officer Jim Rutherford to take over as interim county administrator. Senate Bill 705 would allow entire public bodies to meet remotely again under certain circumstances through March 31, 2022. Read more:New chair of Kalamazoo County board will throw commissioners out if they don’t respect othersThree Kalamazoo County men plead guilty in Amazon textbook rental fraud caseKalamazoo will hold virtual meeting on rebuilding closed Inkster Avenue bridge

Democrats in the Michigan Senate have introduced legislation that would require public schools to include lessons about the cultures of people of color and indigenous communities in their social studies curriculum. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a framework in education aimed at fostering understanding of race and racism on an institutional and structural level. Conservatives in Michigan argue that critical race theory inaccurately characterizes U.S. history and could sow division among students. Related:Critical Race theory isn’t taught in Michigan schools, so why is it such a hot topic? - mlive.comAmid debate over critical race theory, Michigan college creates K-12 curriculum based on conservative perspectivesCandidate for governor threatens to wipe out Education Department over Critical Race Theory.

Earlier this month, the Michigan Senate approved a $3.3 billion water infrastructure bill which allocates $1 billion of those funds to replace lead service lines across the state. As communities like Flint and Benton Harbor continue to suffer from the effects of lead contaminated drinking water, Michigan Democrats are also working to replace the emergency manager legislation that has contributed to these issues. She says with $1 billion allocated to lead service line replacement, Michigan has the funding to get half of the lead pipes out of the state. “Michigan is the first state in the country to have a requirement to replace all of the lead service lines,” Betanzo says. He says this $3.3 billion water infrastructure bill signals that the Michigan Senate is starting to make real investments in the state’s water systems.

An effort to entice big businesses with government-backed incentives advanced in the Michigan Senate Thursday, just a day after the state House approved similar legislation. Senate Bills 769, 770 and 771 passed with bipartisan support in the Michigan Senate on Thursday and would create the “Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund” and the “Critical Industry Fund” where state dollars could be diverted to businesses interested in building new manufacturing or commercial sites and creating jobs. They are essentially the same as a three-bill package that cleared the House Wednesday.

A man from Mt. Clemens was charged after leaving a circuit court judge a threatening voicemail.

High Profile attorney Geoffrey Fieger files 2 $100 million lawsuit against Oxford School District/Officals on behave of sister’s who attend Oxford High, one was shot and the other barely missed by bullets.

According to the Canton Police Department, school dismissal is being delayed until the investigation is complete.

On Thursday, Dec. 9, the Michigan Senate approved bills that would boost job-creation and expansion incentives offered to businesses, amid efforts to land unspecified major projects in the auto industry as it shifts to greener technology.

LANSING, MI — A bill that would use billions in federal funding to address several water infrastructure issues was approved by the Michigan Senate Thursday. Senate Bill 565, sponsored by Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo, would provide funding for water quality and dam safety concerns, wastewater facilities, PFAS contamination concerns and other water programs.

It’s a brief in support of a lawsuit filed by the other states.

Critical race theory debate turned contentious as Michigan’s GOP-led House voted to ban race or gender stereotyping in curriculum. The Democrats refused to vote.

Michigan Republican senators say vaccines, masks, and testing are fine for parents who want them for their children but schools shouldn’t require them.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday directed the state to expedite the ordering of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 so that it will be quickly available once the federal government gives it the green light.

Monroe County would be given oversight of Fairview County Home under legislation approved by the Michigan Senate on Wednesday.

The Detroit Police Department is asking for help to find two suspects after two people were killed.

LANSING, MI — The Michigan House passed a controversial election bill Thursday that would add steps for voters without an ID and ban election officials from sending unsolicited absentee ballot applications. SB 303 and 304 passed the Michigan Senate last week amid contentious debate. Currently, voters without ID are allowed to cast a ballot by swearing to their identity with an affidavit. Michigan Department of State data shows that of 2.3 million voters who cast a ballot in-person in Michigan’s 2020 general election, 11,417 voted without an ID. Gretchen Whitmer has indicated she will veto the bills, but a petition initiative that mirrors the language within the bills is underway.

Read more: Oops: Election package left partially passed after Democratic ‘hijinks’ trick Republicans into adjourningThe main piece of legislation, SB 303, passed the chamber on Wednesday. It would require absentee voters to put their license, state ID number, or last 4 digits of their social security number on ballot applications. It was the rest of the package the Senate passed Thursday: SB 304 would prevent voters from signing an affidavit to cast a provisional vote without identification. Under SB 304, voters without IDs would no longer be allowed to use affidavits to obtain a provisional ballot. Two amendments to HB 5007 introduced by Senate Democrats were rejected by Republicans.

Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) is pushing to reinstate “good time” credits for inmates in the Michigan prison system.

The Michigan Senate passed a bill package Thursday meant to enhance voting security, though some of the proposed measures are already in place. The bills are part of Republican-led legislation to tighten the security of Michigan elections. HB 4837, HB 4838, HB 4528 and HB 4492 all passed the Michigan Senate Thursday 21-15 in a mostly partisan vote. Read more: Michigan House OKs election security bills some call redundantWhile several House Democrats voted with Republicans to support the package back in August, their Senate colleagues took a harsher tone against the bills. Since electronic poll books are not connected to the internet at any time during an election, Senate Democrats said the bill further legitimizes conspiracy theorists and those pushing election lies.

LANSING, MI — A Republican-backed group filed petition language Thursday with the Michigan Bureau of Elections in an initiative to create new voter identification requirements that wouldn’t require the governor’s signature to become law. The group behind the initiative, Secure MI Vote, said the changes would make it harder to cheat. It’ll takes 340,047 petition signatures from Michigan registered voters to give the state Legislature a chance to approve the proposed new laws. Michigan’s election laws currently requires voters to either show ID or sign an affidavit in order to cast a ballot. Democrats in Michigan have accused Republican lawmakers of pushing the reforms in response to former Trump’s unfounded claims of voter fraud.

An independent commission is drawing out Michigan’s new political maps, but time is running out to get the job done.

LANSING, MI — The Michigan House passed a bill package Tuesday that seeks to enhance voting security measures, though some of the measures are already in place. The bills are part of Republican-led legislation that aims to ensure the security of the Michigan elections. Hall referenced the concerns that constituents had over the 2020 election in his justification for the bill. Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, took to the House floor Tuesday to speak against House Bill 4838, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green, R-Millington. All three bills passed in the Republican-controlled House on Tuesday and will now go to the Michigan Senate for consideration.

Monroe City Councilman John Iacoangeli responds in a letter to Sen. Dale Zorn, Rep. Joe Bellino.

Under Michigan law, citizen-led ballot initiatives approved by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature do not need the governor’s approval to become law. “Our Unlock Michigan citizen army collected over 540,000 signatures in just 80 days,” Unlock Michigan spokesperson Fred Wszolek said. She continued to do so until the Michigan Supreme Court determined she didn’t have that authority last fall. Opponents of the Unlock Michigan initiative in the Legislature defended the actions Whitmer took during the pandemic. Under state law, the Legislature gets the first pass at citizen-led ballot initiatives proposing statutory changes before they head to the ballot.

Republican state senators have approved the repeal of the Michigan law that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used to order emergency lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic, when Michigan was among the states hardest hit by COVID-19.

Republican lawmakers who are trying to restrict voting in Michigan are risking a legal showdown with the Justice Department. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland made...

The House approved budget guarantees baseline funding of $8,700 for every Michigan student next year. This year it ranges from $8,111 to $8,529.

LANSING, MI — The Michigan House and Senate each passed bills this week, including the state’s long-negotiated budget, approved in the House with a significant boost to school funding. As budget talks between the two chambers and the governor’s office continue, the Michigan Senate has teed up a bill to delay the statutory July 1 budget deadline if necessary. Read more: Michigan House approves big boost for schools in budget vote, but Senate not yet on board. Some budget questions remain unsettled under the House budget proposal, including funding for community colleges and universities and how to allocate additional federal funding available to the state. Last week, the Michigan Senate teed up a bill to delay the statutory July 1 budget deadline if necessary.

The investigation included 30 hours of public hearing, witness testimony from nearly 90 people, more than 400 pages of testimony and subpoenaed key documents from Secretary of State and municipal governments.

Billions of dollars on a deadline can change a freezeout in a hurry.

Republicans who control the Michigan Senate have passed legislation to mandate a photo ID to vote in person and add identity requirements for people who want to vote by mail.

The Michigan Senate has voted unanimously to allocate nearly $4.4 billion in federal COVID-19 aid to K-12 schools after Republican lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration reached an agreement.

The bills introduced in the Michigan Senate aim to prevent a dangerous dog attack before it happens.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson declined to appear in front of the state’s Senate Oversight Committee on election matters, saying she feared the spread of misinformation.

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.

LANSING, Mich. – A divided Michigan Senate on Tuesday again sought to limit state pandemic restrictions, voting to let all family members attend an athlete’s sporting event and large families eat at a restaurant table. The Republican-sponsored legislation was approved 20-15 on party lines and sent to the GOP-led House at a time COVID-19 cases are surging. The measure also would prohibit the state health director from issuing an order to cap residential gatherings, bar high school graduation ceremonies or prevent people from traveling between multiple properties. AdThe state Department of Health and Human Services has recommended, but not required, that spectators be limited to two per athlete. AdWhitmer, whose administration has gradually eased restrictions in recent months, has said she will not surrender powers she needs to save lives.

AdRelated: No need to lose sleep over shift to daylight saving timeIn recent years, some states have moved to end the usage of daylight saving time -- and now Michigan can be added to that list. However, states do not have the authority to adopt a permanent daylight saving time, like Sen. Irwin is pushing for. 5 questions as the nation prepares to spring forwardThe U.S. isn’t the only country that uses daylight saving time. Countries in North America and Europe are the primary practicers of daylight saving time, but parts of Australia and South America have also adopted the concept. You can see a map of countries that use daylight saving time here.

A Michigan state senator’s bill is aiming to give drivers the option of having the classic blue and black Michigan vehicle license plates for a $100 fee. Sen. Mallory McMurrow’s (D-Royal Oak) Senate Bill 1146 also would allow the Secretary of State to readminister the blue license plates Michigan used from 1983 until 2007, as well as the black plates issued between 1979 and 1983. The blue and black license plates would be available to all drivers in Michigan for an added fee of $100. Michigan License Plate -- white with blue letters, with "Pure Michigan" campaign, first issued in 2013. We are happy to support the classic license plate design knowing it will produce a positive influence on both our culture and our economy.”

WASHINGTON – Questions are being raised about the public apology sent out on Tuesday night by Michigan’s highest-ranking Republican, State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey. READ: Top Michigan Republican stands by Capitol ‘hoax’ commentsShirkey apologized on Tuesday after a video was released of a Feb. 3 meeting in which he told Republicans that the siege at the Capitol “wasn’t Trump people. He claimed to believe it was a hoax. During Wednesday morning’s Senate session, Shirkey appeared to double down on those beliefs in a side conversation that was caught on a nearby live microphone. READ: Michigan Sen. Mike Shirkey falsely claims US Capitol riot was ‘hoax from day one’ in videoAdIn a private conversation with Democratic Lt. Gov.

Related: 45 total cases of COVID-19 B117 variant confirmed in 10 different Michigan countiesMichigan high school basketball and ice hockey players will be required to wear masks at all times, even during games. The pandemic has forced changes to school count day in Michigan. New COVID-19 cases have plateaued and deaths are starting to slow. New: 7 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: Could Michigan variant spread lead to another lockdown? The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 56,100 on Monday -- near the lowest it’s been since October.

Gretchen Whitmer and questioned him when he told them voter fraud was not a factor in the state’s presidential outcomes. In the video, Shirkey was asked about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington D.C. That was all prearranged.”AdREAD: Man charged in US Capitol riot worked for FBI, lawyer saysThe video was posted Feb. 4 on YouTube by R.O.A.R. When asked about the video, Whitmer said she hadn’t seen it but had been told of comments being made. “That’s what I’m going to continue putting my energy toward.

(AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)DETROIT – Michigan’s top Republican called the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, which resulted in five deaths including a Capitol police officer, a hoax, in a video posted to YouTube last week. Michigan GOP Senate Leader Mike Shirkey appears in a video posted on Feb. 3 by the “R.O.A.R. The video appears to show Shirkey meeting with Hillsdale County Republican Party officials, one day before the county voted to censure Shirkey. The reported video comes right after the New York Times published an article detailing Shirkey’s involvement with Michigan militias, who held armed protests at the Michigan Capitol last year over COVID-19 restrictions. For all these reasons, Mike Shirkey should be out.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Republicans have unveiled a $2 billion COVID-19 relief plan for residents who are struggling due to shutdowns sparked by the pandemic. They said it will provide another $2 billion for the fight against COVID-19 and help families, workers and employers who are struggling financially “due to Gov. $300 million for Michigan workers and businesses struggling financially. An additional $110 million in testing funds will be appropriated when a return-to-learn plan is finalized. The general fund portion of the plan is included in Senate Bill 114, and the School Aid section will be inserted into Senate Bill 29.

The Michigan House announced Monday morning it has approved a $483 million COVID-19 relief bill that was passed by the Senate on Friday night. According to the House, the bill includes:$64 million in small business survival relief$220 million to extend unemployment benefits$45 million in direct payments to workers who have been impacted by the virus$75 million for hospitals and healthcare workers,$22 million for increased testing$57 million for vaccine distributionThat adds up to $483 million in relief. The Senate voted 35-2 to approve Senate Bill 748. Congress is expected to pass a relief bill today that includes stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental and eviction relief, money for schools and small business loans. As we continue working to eliminate this virus, I urge all Michiganders to be smart and stay safe.

LANSING, Mich. – The Legislature approved changes last week to Michigan’s sex offender registry after federal courts declared the current policy unconstitutional. In 2006, the state prohibited those on the registry from living or loitering within 1,000 feet of school property. In 2011, the state approved a requirement for registrants to immediately report changes in addresses, vehicles and phone numbers. Since the judge's February decision, officers were advised not to take enforcement action for certain violations involving the registry and school safety zones, said Michigan State Police spokeswoman Shanon Banner. The legislation would require offenders to report changes in phone numbers and vehicles to authorities.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate passed a $465 million COVID-19 relief bill during session Friday night. The Senate voted 35-2 to approve Senate Bill 748. Some of the money distribution includes:$220 million for unemployment$48 million for COVID vaccine distribution and testing$45 million in grants for workers laid off or furloughed in business impacted by restrictions$55 million in small business survival grantsThe bill is set to go to the Michigan House on Monday. UPDATE: Michigan House approves $483 million COVID relief billREAD: Michigan revises COVID-19 order to reopen high schools, some entertainment venuesWatch the report in the video posted above. After her friend Wayne County sheriff Benny Napoleon died from COVID-19, Whitmer said when it comes the vaccine distribution is bottlenecked due to Washington.

FDA advisory panel to meet today on Moderna’s COVID vaccineWe could have a second COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week if the FDA decides whether to authorize Moderna’s vaccine for emergency use. A key FDA panel is set to vote Thursday on whether to recommend the approval of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. A favorable vote form this panel could clear the path for Moderna’s vaccine to become the second approved for use in the United States. On Tuesday, the state reported a total of 442,715 confirmed cases and 10,935 deaths. According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 6.2 million have recovered in the U.S., with more than 16.7 million cases reported across the country.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate is considering Concurrent Resolution 36, which would form a joint committee of the Legislature acting between sessions to suspend rules or regulations administered by state administrative agencies. Under the resolution, the Legislature could call a joint committee after the current session -- ends Dec. 18 -- through Jan. 13. Whitmer’s COVID-19 briefingREAD: Whitmer says Michigan’s increased COVID-19 restrictions are working: ‘We are making progress’The Michigan Constitution gives the committee the power to suspend rules and regulations, such as new COVID-19 orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It would only apply to any new orders agencies would submit during the time the entire Legislature was out of session. Several people gathered outside the home of Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), on Dec. 15 to protest the state’s current COVID restrictions.

DETROIT – The Michigan House and Senate Oversight committees subpoenaed Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash. Both cities had a number of precincts where the poll books did not match the vote tally and are not explained. Both city clerks have until Jan. 12 to present documents explaining how the election was handled. The Michigan House and Senate are holding hearings on alleged voting irregularities, which have found no proof of fraud at this point and nothing to suggest the vote in Michigan was not secure or accurate. House Oversight Chair Matt Hall, of Marshall, issued the following statement Tuesday after a joint hearing of the House and Senate Oversight committees:

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s top Republican says the state’s Senate oversight committee has not found evidence of fraud on a scale that would change the outcome of the 2020 election. Michigan Senate Leader Mike Shirkey said this in a statement Monday as the state’s electors are scheduled to gather to seal the Electoral College win for Joe Biden. More from Shirkey below:“Today Michigan’s electors convene, according to state law, to cast their votes for the next president and vice president of the United States. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris won Michigan’s presidential election. And I intend to.”Related: Michigan Electors to be given police escort to Lansing Capitol Building for vote

After her son Wyatt nearly lost his life to child abuse, Hammel started campaigning for a child abuse registry. It's been years of effort, but on Thursday the Michigan Senate passed legislation to create the registry. Hammel said she tried to investigate the background of the abuser, who had previous convictions of child abuse. All we’re trying to do is to make this information easy for parents.”Hammel is not alone in campaigning for a child abuse registry. In 2017, Indiana’s child abuse registry went online under Kirk’s Law after the death of 19-month-old Kirk Coleman.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Rep. Cynthia Johnson is under investigation after she posted on social media a response to the many violent, vulgar and racist death threats she’s received. The video, posted Tuesday night, has quickly gone viral and legislative leadership removed her from her House Oversight Committee assignments Wednesday. “My soldiers, they are soldiers for Christ, soldiers against racism, soldiers against domestic violence, soldiers against domestic terrorism,” Johnson said. Rep. Johnson has been removed from her committee assignments, and we are looking into further disciplinary action as the proper authorities conduct their own investigations. Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Rep. Johnson herself, and others.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Rep. Cynthia Johnson, the Democratic chair of the House Oversight Committee is receiving death threats due to the election. She posted several of the threats to social media. After both Democratic and Republican representatives have received threats of violence over the election, Michigan Assistant Minority Floor Leader Laurie Pohutsky posted on Twitter about the SNL sketch. The SNL skit was amusing, I guess, but last night my caucus was trying to figure out how to keep those on that committee safe from the deluge of death threats they’re receiving. I’m sorry to be a bummer and I’m glad people enjoyed the skit, but the reality of it is heinous.

LANSING, Mich. – While supporters of President Donald Trump stood outside the Michigan House office building, Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani testified before Michigan House on Wednesday, claiming massive voter fraud in Detroit. Giuliani brought with him witnesses, who signed affidavits that have already been presented in court in Trump campaign lawsuits and have been dismissed or pulled by the campaign. READ: Giuliani to Republicans: Pressure Legislature on Biden winThe Michigan Senate held a similar hearing on Tuesday. Michigan House Republications made it clear that Wednesday’s hearing was not about overturning election results in Michigan, but about listening to people who claimed they saw irregularities at the TCF Center in Detroit. Disputing President Donald Trump’s persistent, baseless claims, Attorney General William Barr declared Tuesday the U.S. Justice Department has uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election.

LANSING, Mich. – President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, will appear before the Michigan House Oversight Committee Wednesday evening. He will discuss the allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 General Election. As of Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, no judge has seen any evidence on which to rule. The Michigan Legislature has two committees listening to claims about election irregularities. A Michigan Senate hearing, where those who identified themselves as GOD poll watchers made claims about the vote-counting process at the TCF Center, lasted seven hours.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan House Oversight Committee will be hearing from Rudy Giuliani Wednesday evening on allegations of election fraud in Michigan. Giuliani has made a series of allegations about the 2020 election that have not been backed by evidence or data. The legislature has two committees listening to claims about election irregularities. The Michigan House committee will hold a similar hearing Wednesday. Streaming video of Wednesday’s House Oversight Committee hearing can be seen here.

LANSING, Mich. – A day ahead of Michigan lawmakers returning to work in Lansing, mayors and business leaders on Monday called on the federal and state governments for coronavirus pandemic relief as Gov. “I think 2021 and 2022 are going to be some of the toughest times facing municipal governments certainly since the Great Recession, perhaps even worse,” said Michigan State University professor Eric Scorsone during a Monday press conference. Scorsone has done work with Michigan municipalities like Lansing, Flint and Detroit. READ: Michigan governor, state legislature far apart on COVID-19 responseAlso on the table for discussion is the state’s election. There has been no evidence of fraud in Michigan’s election and the Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified the 2020 election results last week.

LANSING, Mich. – In a letter addressed to Michigan legislative leaders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking for three pieces of major legislation -- a $100 million state-based stimulus package, permanent extension to unemployment benefits and more public health measures. The letter is the first public attempt to appeal to legislative leaders directly with concrete measures. Small Business Saturday is here and the stakes are higher than ever for local businesses in the pandemic. The state has launched a new “Support Local” campaign to help Michigan Businesses make it through the winter.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State House and Senate Oversight Committees will be in session Saturday to discuss the ballot counting process. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was in Oakland County Friday asserting that there are claims that need to be addressed. READ: Michigan House Speaker says GOP will launch vote counting inquiryREAD: Republican National Committee chair calls for investigation into Michigan ballot-counting processREAD: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson disputes claims by Republican National Committee chair on Michigan’s ballot counting processIssues included complaints about the counting process at the TCF Center. There were also questions on why Antrim County had flipped votes for incumbent President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden. Every vote that was cast was counted accurately and there is a paper ballot backup," said Rochester Hills city clerk Tina Barton.

Michigan State Senator Jim Ananich has tested positive for OCIVD-19, according to a Twitter post. Sen. Ananich, Michigan Senate Minority Leader and representative of the state’s 27th district, tweeted Friday afternoon that he contracted the virus, but is doing well. I wanted to update you all that I have tested positive for Covid. — Senator Jim Ananich (@jimananich) November 6, 2020“I wanted to update you all that I have tested positive for Covid,” Sen. Ananich wrote Friday. New: Friday, Nov. 6, 2020: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 200,569; Death toll now at 7,513

The Republican-led Michigan State House and Senate will hold hearings on the “voting and counting process” in the state, according to House Speaker Lee Chatfield. The proposed inquiry comes as President Trump is seeking to stop vote counting in key election states, including Michigan. There is no evidence of voter fraud tied to the 2020 Michigan election. Republicans are expected to keep control of the Michigan House. Michigan Republicans held a press conference on Friday, alleging voter fraud in Michigan, but offered no evidence to back the claims.

LANSING, Mich. – On Monday morning, Michigan’s chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun appeared remotely before a joint House and Senate committee that is overseeing the state’s COVID-19 response. Lawmakers questioned her on a range of topics, often with the seeming intent to identify the data used by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her Executive Orders. The COVID-19 is a medical and public health event. Khaldun said Michigan did submit an interim COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan to the CDC on Friday.

House Bill 5334 amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-10 in Warren Township in Midland County in honor of Corporal Casey P. Zylman. Senate Bill 132 amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-12 in Lenawee County in honor of Michigan State Trooper Rodger M. Adams. Senate Bill 432 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to revise an exemption of certain property from taxes collected under the General Property Tax Act. Senate Bill 1066 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to transfer and deposit $37.1 million from the Michigan Film Promotion Fund to the state’s general fund for fiscal year (FY) 2019-20. The bills would have amended the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to make it easier and cheaper for for-profit property finders to get access to Michigander’s private data.