News & Resources

Budget Targets ‘Close;’ July 1 Deadline Extension Bill Is In; May Revenue Up $1B

For the second year in a row, state lawmakers may extend the date by which the budget for the coming fiscal year must, by law, be on the Governor’s desk. […]

June 8, 2021

Pandemic UI Part-Time Recipients Could Have Eligibility Evals Waived

Residents who were receiving benefits while working part-time under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program would have their evaluation-of-eligibility submissions to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) disregarded under a […]

June 8, 2021

Unemployed Must Register With Michigan Works! To Get UIA Benefits Under Bill

People would have to register for work with Michigan Works! within 21 days after applying for Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) benefits in order to receive them, under a bill discussed […]

May 25, 2021

Governor, Legislative Leaders Reach Agreement

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and two Republican legislative leaders reached a deal Thursday that puts the Governor at the negotiating table for the state budget, while also giving lawmakers future say in pandemic orders. Thursday’s […]

May 25, 2021

Gov Condenses Vacc To Normal Plan To 2 Steps; No Longer Tied To Vax Rates

(MIDLAND) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has condensed the Vacc to Normal plan down to two more steps, determined by dates on the calendar rather than vaccination levels among the population. By June 1, […]

May 18, 2021

Child Tax Credit Passes Senate; Expanded Biz Tax Deduction Passes House

Taxpayers would be allowed to claim a tax credit of up to $500 per every dependent child 18 and younger for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 to 2025 under a bill […]

May 18, 2021

House Budget: UIA Won’t Get Paid If Unemployed Aren’t Looking For Jobs

The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) would not be able to spend any of its Michigan Works! money until the agency maintains full-time, in-person services, under the House’s budget for Fiscal Year […]

May 11, 2021

Outdoor Mask Mandate Mostly Gone, Fully-Vaxxed Can Go Maskless At Gatherings

Masks will no longer be needed outdoors unless a gathering exceeds 100 people, under the latest update to the state’s COVID-19 epidemic orders. The new Michigan Department of Health and […]

May 11, 2021

Wentworth: I Don’t Know Where We Go From Here

House Speaker Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) said Tuesday morning he doesn’t know where working relations with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) go after last week’s unexpected announcement on tying COVID restriction […]

May 4, 2021

UIA, Lawmakers Urged To Reinstate Work Search Requirement

After hearing business owners urge lawmakers to reinstate work search requirements for the unemployed to get benefits, the House Oversight Committee also heard the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) say it […]

May 4, 2021

Supplemental Offers Unemployed $1,000 To Go Back To Work

Unemployed workers would be eligible for a $1,000 grant for leaving the unemployment system and returning to work under a supplemental bill approved Thursday morning by the House Appropriations Committee. […]

April 27, 2021

Albert Lays Out Stimulus Preferences; Gov Brings In Singh

House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Albert (R-Lowell) is staking his ground on how he wants to spend roughly $5.7 billion in uncommitted federal COVID relief money the state can essentially spend as […]

April 27, 2021

Quarterly Budgets; Executive Cuts Highlight House Budgets

Nine state departments would be funded quarterly, as opposed to annually, and 44 high-level state executives would have their positions eliminated under six budget bills that moved out of House […]

April 20, 2021

DHHS Extends Mask, Gatherings Order; Kids 2-4 Must Mask Up

Children ages 2 to 4 will need to mask up at childcare facilities or camps starting April 26 under an extended Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) order issued […]

April 20, 2021

State Bidders To Be Asked More Probing Questions; Biz Groups Skeptical

The state will begin asking prospective bidders deeper questions on its vendor question worksheets regarding their labor and environmental compliance record and the Chamber is openly questioning the motives. Gov. […]

April 13, 2021

14-Day Quarantine Reinstated For COVID-19 Cases

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is reinstating a standard 14-day quarantine for those who have had close contact with anyone who has had COVID-19, which removes the option for […]