Policy Issues

U.P. Lawmaker Says ‘Destruction’ Of U.P. Possible If Senate Doesn’t Move On RICE Bills

Foreign contributions to ballot initiatives would be banned under HB 5197 and HB 5198, just like they are banned from political candidates and Super PACs.

(Source: MIRS.news , Published 11/5/2025) Michigan organizations that provide food assistance and early childhood education warn that the ongoing federal government shutdown is cutting off services for children and families, and could force more programs to close if funding is not restored soon.   During a virtual press conference Wednesday, leaders from early education programs and anti-poverty agencies said families are beginning to lose access to meals, childcare and class

(Source: MIRS.news , Published 11/05/2025) The Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes & Energy would need court-issued warrants to search property regardless of the search’s environmental protection intentions, under two bills that both passed 63-37 in the House Tuesday   Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River)’s HB 4073 applies to the DNR and Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare)’s HB 4421 applies to EGLE. Kunse said in his floor speech that the right to private property

Sen. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell) is leading a 53-bill proposal to eliminate the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the public-private agency offering grants and programs to entice businesses to locate or grow in Michigan. The legislation comes as some Republican gubernatorial candidates call for the MEDC's demise as a core campaign message.

Congressional candidate William Lawrence's night sleeping on the lava rocks outside U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte)'s Lansing office in protest of the presumed suspension of federal food assistance benefits – which Lawrence believes Barrett is partially responsible for – was not uneventful.

Republican members of Congress and supporters of President Donald Trump, like U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers, are to blame for the pending double-digit increases in health insurance premiums because the Republican majority in Washington D.C. has neglected the rising issue of uncompensated care, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. said Thursday.

Democrats Mobilize Around SNAP Funding 

Water Affordability Bills Make Another Splash In Senate Housing

Appeals Court: House Must Present 9 Lame Duck Bills To Governor

Hall's Office Shooting Down Senate's Increased Hunting, Fishing Fees Upon Arrival 

No Kings Protests See Signature Gatherers Galore 

Army Corps Of Engineers Line 5 Permitting Expected This Fall; Last Permit Next Fall 

Legislation has been introduced to target the “demand” side of human trafficking or commercial sex. The proposed changes allow victims of trafficking to be expunged of crimes they committed while being exploited, and gives prosecutors tools to build cases.

The number of traffic crashes on Michigan roads has slowed since COVID, but the wrecks that do happen are more serious and more deadly, based on MIRS's look into Michigan Traffic Crash Facts data posted on the Michigan State Police's website.

(Source: MIRS.news , Published 10/08/2025) House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) said Tuesday he's open to working with the Governor on something that's been a part of her economic development wishlist since early 2024: the "HIRE Michigan" program. The plan would be to give away payroll tax exemptions to businesses creating new jobs in Michigan.   Hall's goal is to repeal the defunded Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund law and eliminate the Michigan

(Source: MIRS.news , Published 09/24/2025) If the state Legislature and Executive fail to pass a budget or continuation resolution before...

House, Senate R's Meet In Joint Caucus; 8 Session Days Added To House Calendar

Blanchard: Duggan Wins If Government Shuts Down, Calls Hall's Proposals 'Show Business'

(Source: MIRS.news , Published 09/09/2025) The House Oversight Committee’s questioning Tuesday of Department of Health and Human Services...