Michigan Governor Faces Pivotal Decisions on New Legislation
With the conclusion of 2024, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is poised to make critical decisions on a plethora of bills that have landed on her desk. As the Michigan Legislature’s 2023-2024 session concludes without a formal adjournment, known as sine die, Whitmer has a 14-day window to either approve these bills or let them lapse.
Stacey LaRouche, a spokesperson for Governor Whitmer, conveyed in a text message, “We will review legislation sent to our desk.”
Currently, numerous bills are in transit from the Capitol to the governor’s office, awaiting her consideration. Among these are several proposals aligned with Whitmer’s economic agenda. One is aimed at enabling businesses to deduct a portion of their research and development expenses from their taxes. Another proposal seeks to establish a Michigan Innovation Fund Program to channel state investments into startups.
Although these initiatives are significant, they do not include changes to the SOAR Fund, a major business incentive program whose funding framework is set to expire soon. This issue might gain Whitmer’s attention in the coming months, especially after previous negotiations fell through.
Reproductive health care is another focal point, with bills designed to enhance access to hormonal birth control and mental health care for new mothers, as well as legislate the licensing of free-standing birth centers.
Additionally, a bill has been passed to repeal work requirements for the Healthy Michigan Plan Medicaid expansion, though its enforcement is currently halted by a federal judge.
Despite these advancements, efforts to address racial disparities in maternal health did not advance, suggesting they might resurface in the upcoming legislative session.
Public safety is also on the agenda, with proposed commissions to assess criminal justice policies and prison sentences. Whitmer must also address legislative updates to the state’s hate crime laws and measures to expand access to the state police pension system for corrections workers and related roles.
The new legislative session is set to begin on Wednesday, setting the stage for further developments in Michigan’s legislative landscape.
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