Michigan Senate Passes Flurry of Bills, House Fails to Reach Quorum
The Michigan Senate was busy as it sent numerous bills to the governor after a late-night session that spilled over into the early hours of the morning. Unfortunately, the Michigan House faced challenges with attendance that prevented it from reaching a quorum, leading to a disappointing end to its session.
Health Care
Several bills related to health care were among those approved by the Senate and sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. These bills focused on improving health care for new mothers and their babies, expanding insurance coverage for mental health screenings, and eliminating the state’s work requirements for Medicaid.
Economic Development
The Senate also passed a bill allowing businesses to deduct a portion of their research and development expenses from their taxes. This move aims to encourage economic growth and innovation in Michigan, aligning the state with its Midwestern counterparts.
Education
In the realm of education, the Senate approved bills related to charter school management, including requirements for schools to disclose information about their operators and post salary details for public school academies. Additionally, the Senate passed bills mandating schools to inform parents about Michigan’s safe storage gun laws.
Public Safety
Amidst the flurry of bills, the Senate took action on public safety issues, such as facilitating access to community violence prevention services for individuals on Medicaid and allowing corrections workers to join the Michigan State Police retirement system. These measures aim to enhance public safety and address staffing shortages in critical sectors.
While the Senate made significant progress in passing bills, several key pieces of legislation remained untouched, including plans benefiting the Detroit Public Schools Community District and establishing a public safety and violence prevention fund. The ongoing legislative efforts underscore the complexities and challenges of governance, especially during critical moments.
