News & Resources

Marathon 29-Hour Senate Session Passed 90+ Bills

The Senate’s 29-hour long session saw more than 90 bills passed through third reading and ended with the announcement that the chamber will adjourn sine die on Monday, Dec. 30.

Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing

December 23, 2024

How One Final Straw Broke the House’s Back

The Democratic-led House's lame duck implosion wrapped up Thursday when House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) and Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) failed to come to an understanding as to what should and would be taken up …

Image of the capitol building in Lansing, State of the State

December 17, 2024

Obituary of 10 Big Bills that Didn’t Survive Lame Duck

Friday night, the House ended a high-intensity lame duck week at 10:44 p.m. Because of the Legislature's five-day rule, this week was essentially the last week for the Senate and House to move their bills …

A blank unemployment benefits claim form.

December 17, 2024

UI Benefit Increase Headed to Governor

Senate bills that raise the weekly financial benefits one can receive from unemployment and increase the amount of time a person is eligible for the benefits passed the House on Tuesday, making the governor's signature …

image of capitol building for article on duggan running for governor

December 10, 2024

Duggan Makes Calculated Move in Running as Independent

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announces independent run for governor of Michigan, putting partisanship aside to represent the entire state.

placeholder image of unemployment benefits application

December 10, 2024

Higher Unemployment Benefits, 26 Weeks Pass Senate

Learn about the recent Senate approval to raise maximum unemployment benefits and extend the timeline for receiving benefits.

Michigan's capitol building surrounded by trees and a lawn with fallen leaves.

December 3, 2024

Attendance Issues Could Hamper Dems In Lame Duck

House Democrats conceded Wednesday they will be working with minority Republicans during lame duck session as attendance issues have surfaced within the majority caucus.

The Renaissance Center on the Detroit Riverfront.

December 3, 2024

RenCen Revamp Hinges On State Money

Bedrock and General Motors (GM) announced on Monday a conceptual plan to redevelop the Renaissance Center (RenCen) and 27 acres along the Detroit riverfront.

November 26, 2024

Hall’s $2.7B Road Proposal Sparks Curiosity, Apprehension

Explore the $2.7 billion road funding plan proposed by Minority Leader Matt Hall and its implications for infrastructure and education.

November 26, 2024

Top 12 Closest House Races And Other Statistics To Chew On

Explore the close state House election results. Learn about the narrow victories and potential recounts in the closely contested races.

Placeholder image of a gavel for the Watchdog story about a law being discussed during 2024 lame duck.

November 19, 2024

Old Consumer Protection Law Resurrected For Lame Duck

A sweeping ‘consumer protection’ law crafted during the Attorney General Frank Kelley era (specifically the 1970s) will apparently be taken up in December despite the objections of nearly 20 business groups.

Placeholder image of Michigan's capitol interior for the Watchdog story about Hall

November 19, 2024

Hall Vows Not To Go Gridlock If…

The year 2024 will not go down as one of the most productive years for the Legislature.

Placeholder image of the state capitol building for Legislators of the Year award

November 12, 2024

Hall To Be Speaker, Puri Minority Leader; More Leadership Posts Announced

Rep. Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), this term’s minority leader, will take the Speaker’s gavel come January, bringing an end to the first speakership Democrats had since Republicans took control in 2010. […]

Close-up of an unemployment benefits application form with a hand holding a pen.

November 12, 2024

26 Weeks Of UIA Benefits Floating Around In Senate Labor

Michigan’s unemployment claimants could once again receive up to 26 weeks of benefits under legislation debated in committee that would undo the Snyder administration’s 20-week cap on payments. The bill […]

Placeholder image of the capitol for the upcoming election

November 6, 2024

Republicans Win 58-52 House Majority

Several housing projects and bonding issues were approved to the tune of $366.8 million on Tuesday during the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) board meeting, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced another $330 million in federal and …

Roll of "I VOTED TODAY" stickers on an American flag representing the results of an election.