One of the lightest legislative years in memory roared to life Wednesday and then on toward dawn Thursday as the Democratic majority in the Legislature blasted the 2024-25 fiscal year budget through to passage just eight hours after it began to publicly leak and approved an avalanche of major bills.
A K-12 school aid budget unlike any other received final passage just before 5 a.m. Thursday as Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic legislative leaders prevailed over a coalition of dismayed groups – traditionally Democratic allies – representing traditional public schools.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development could see a last-minute increase in its department budget for efforts to combat the recent avian flu outbreak in the state.
An expansion of eligibility requirements for medically frail inmates passed the Senate Tuesday with some bipartisan support after multiple floor amendments offered by Republicans were rejected.
Some bipartisan effort highlighted business Thursday in the Senate as it began the process of moving their slate of appropriations bills, with members of both parties acknowledging work on an amendment to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budget.
Senators reported legislation Wednesday that would cap payday lending interest rates at 36 percent, over objections from industry officials who said it would undercut the market and drive businesses from the state.
Legislation to add flexibility for renaissance zones cleared the Senate in a bipartisan vote Thursday, moving the bill closer to the governor's desk.
A Senate vote Wednesday on noxious weed legislation meant to help monarch butterflies veered into a national security debate when Republicans sought to tie the proposal to bills that would ban sanctuary cities and stiffen penalties on the possession or sale of fentanyl.
A company manufacturing solar panel components has chosen to locate in Michigan and is set to receive millions in incentives after approval Tuesday from the Strategic Fund Board .
Legislation that would create a complaint process with various requirements to deal with dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs was heard in a Senate committee on Tuesday after many years of introductions by the bill sponsor.