Democrats ‘came out of the gate just at a full sprint,’ and didn’t let up in 2023, passing a slew of priorities, says Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. Next year may be a different story.
2023 Michigan Democratic priorities
Starting in 2023, Democrats will control the governor’s office and the Michigan Legislature, both the House and Senate, for the first time since 1984. How will they use all of this power? These are Bridge Michigan stories on their priorities from Nov. 8, 2022, the day after the election, until January 2023, when Democrats take power.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Dems’ big year: Sweeping new laws, no vetoes and an early end
‘We’ll look back and say this is probably the most productive year we’ve ever seen,’ House Speaker Joe Tate says. Republicans politely disagree.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer: $550 tax refund checks coming for 700,000 Michigan households
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is speeding expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit by mailing refunds to lower-income households that qualified for the credit in the 2022 tax year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gun reform, tax cuts among dozens of Michigan laws taking effect in February
The Legislature is expected to adjourn for the year on Tuesday, so 67+ bills will take effect 91 days later on Feb. 13, including changes to abortion rights, pension taxes and gun regulations.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Dems’ report card: Mixed bag passing Whitmer agenda as year ends
The Democratic-led Legislature is adjourning after fulfilling much, but not all of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s fall agenda. Lawmakers passed energy and abortion reform but fell short on sick leave and drug affordability.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House will soon be divided between Dems, GOP. Gridlock coming?
Two House Democrats are vacating their seats for local mayoral positions after election victories Tuesday. Their departures will, at least temporarily, strip Democrats of their two-seat majority.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Watch Bridge’s Lunch Break discussion on MI Democrats’ year in the majority
The latest Lunch Break event featured elected leaders from both parties discussing the 2023 legislative session’s biggest successes and failures.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Lunch Break to discuss MI Democrats’ first year in the majority
The latest Bridge Michigan Lunch Break event will feature legislative leaders from both parties discussing 2023’s legislative accomplishments, and whether the Democratic leadership has acted on 2022 campaign promises.
Posted inMichigan Government
How to spend $81.7B: Michigan budget boosts funds for roads, parks, water
Democrats pass their first budget since taking over the Legislature, spending down a $7 billion surplus and largely adopting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s priorities. Republicans call plan bloated.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan passes $21.5B school budget with boost for at-risk students
In Democrats’ first education budget, lawmakers directed more funds to schools with disadvantaged students as the state tries to recover from pandemic learning loss. There is also more investment for English language learners and special education.