News & Resources

Gov Signs Right To Work, Prevailing Wage Bills

Michigan's "Right to Work" law will be repealed and prevailing wage will be re-established under legislation Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed without any line-item vetoes.

March 28, 2023

Bank Collapses are Common; Investor Fear is the Real Danger

The Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank collapses themselves didn’t present a threat to the economy, but investors' fear of losing money is a real threat.

March 28, 2023

Mackinac Tunnel Delayed Until 2026 after Army Corps Delays Review

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is extending the federal permitting process for the Line 5 tunnel project until spring 2025, which Enbridge said will effectively push the start of construction under the Mackinac Straits …

Image showing a background of money and the words State Budget

March 21, 2023

Focus After Spring Break Will Be On Budget

The breakneck pace at which Democrats are moving their top priorities will slow into a "steady state of work" after spring break, predicted House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) Tuesday during the Michigan Society of Association Executives conference.

March 21, 2023

$1M Appropriation was not on Gov’s RTW Repeal Agenda but Doesn’t Stop Her Plans to Sign

Although the governor says she didn't ask lawmakers to attach a $1 million appropriation to legislation repealing Michigan's Right to Work laws, she is "going to sign a bill that restores workers' rights" when it …

Photo of the Michigan State Capitol at dusk.

March 14, 2023

What Stopped IE Change in the Senate?

In the heat of the governor's tax proposal debate came a historical Senate resolution that would have changed decades of precedent by allowing legislation to become effective immediately without a clear two-thirds vote displayed on …

Prevailing Wage and Right to Work headline

March 14, 2023

RTW, Prevailing Wage Reversal Clear House

Democratic legislators pushed out the bills to "restore the balance in negotiations" between owners and workers and give "unions their rights back" after Republican majorities instituted these "worker freedom" reforms during the Gov. Rick Snyder …

March 7, 2023

Does Slotkin Announcement Clear the Democratic Field?

Hours after the third-term member of Congress officially threw her hat into the ring, Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest said on the MIRS Monday podcast "the field has essentially been cleared for her on the Democratic side" …

March 7, 2023

Tax Plan Sent to Governor Minus $180 Rebates

A $1 billion tax cut for retirees and low-income workers was sent to the governor's desk Wednesday, but without the Senate Republican support needed to give every tax filer a $180 rebate this spring or …

February 27, 2023

Ford’s Marshall Plant Will Include No Foreign Investment

Following concern from several House members that the recently announced deal to build a Ford electric vehicle battery park in Marshall included involvement with a Chinese company, a Ford Motor Company official told the House …

A woman hands a brown paper bag to another woman, after making a purchase at a retail store.

February 27, 2023

Michigan Retail Sales Rebound in January

The Michigan Retailers Association Wednesday reported a rapid rise in retail sales in January. The 100-point Retail Index survey by the association was at 53.8 in January, which is more than 12 points above December. …

February 21, 2023

MSHDA Approves Changes To Missing Middle Housing Program

Article courtesy MIRS News, for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog e-newsletter The state housing authority expanded the parameters Thursday of a program designed to help create more working-class housing throughout Michigan. Under […]

February 21, 2023

Gov’s Tax Plan OK’d 20-17; I.E. Defeated; Dems Threaten Rule Change

Article courtesy MIRS News, for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog e-newsletter Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s tax reform plan passed the Senate on a party line 20-17 vote, but the measure didn’t receive the two-thirds […]

February 13, 2023

Governor’s Tax Plan Passes House After 24-Hour Standoff

"In a turn of events that will shock absolutely no one, Republicans' alleged commitment to repealing the retirement tax and providing support for working families disappeared immediately when it was time to put their words …

February 13, 2023

Whitmer Budget Spends All But $250M Of Surplus

With the clock ticking on when a lot of the leftover federal money can be used, the governor wants to punch the accelerator on priorities like free K-12 student breakfast and lunch and infrastructure match …

A man named Brian Calley poses in front of a building in Lansing

February 7, 2023

SBAM Proposes $65,000/$130,000 In Tax Exemptions For All Retirees, Working Seniors

Article courtesy MIRS News, for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog e-newsletter The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) would like to see retirees and working seniors have access to up to $65,000 […]