Runestad Questions If Chang Can Vote On Spending For U-M, Her Future Employer; Dems Call It An 'Emotional Outburst'

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 06/03/2026) Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) advised Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) today that "sometimes it's not so good to be so emotional here on the Senate floor." Singh called Runestad's zealous remarks on lawmakers voting on budgets that fund their future employers an "emotional outburst."

On May 31, The Detroit News reported that Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) – who's term-limited and cannot seek reelection – revealed in her financial disclosure filings that she'll be teaching a public policy course at the University of Michigan for two months after leaving the Legislature.

The filings noted that on May 6 of this year, she signed an agreement with the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy to serve as its Towsley Policymaker in Residence during the winter 2027 semester.

During statements at the end of today's session, Runestad – who also serves as the Michigan Republican Party chair – said that the senator of the 3rd district will potentially have the opportunity to vote on major appropriations that benefit U of M.

"Let me be clear, this is not about personalities. It is about a long-standard pattern where individuals move here from positions of public authority into roles with entities that benefit them from their decisions," Runestad said. "Every time that happens, it reinforces the perception that the system is not operating purely in the public interest."

Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), the chamber's assistant president pro tempore, hit the gavel. She instructed Runestad to be mindful of questioning the integrity of his colleagues.

When the microphone turned back on, Runestad became more fired up, speaking louder.

"If you are in a position to influence appropriations and have a relationship with or foreseeable opportunity at an entity that stands to benefit, you must step aside," Runestad said. "That applies to me and everyone here. Everyone. You should not vote."

Singh said he hopes his colleague in the 23rd Senate district was OK, and that "maybe you can take some time to reflect on your anger."

"I wish you the best. Sometimes it's not so good to be so emotional here on the Senate floor," Singh said.