Colin Jackson

A bill sent to the Michigan Senate Wednesday, January 25, would phase out taxes on public pension benefits and provide certain deductions for private retirees.The plan gives pensioners the choice to opt into a tax structure that existed before the system changed in 2011.

A plan to quintuple Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC, advanced out of a state Senate committee today.

The group that oversees operations at Michigan’s state capitol is eying potential changes to its security policies.

Michigan’s Senate approved around $220-million in spending Wednesday, January 18, in the first bills passed this legislative session.Similar legislation came up last month. But lawmakers adjourned for the session without getting it across the finish line. That left budgets including human services and environmental protection unfinished.

Michigan Democratic lawmakers say they want to keep petition signature gatherers from lying to voters.

After one week of session, Democratic state lawmakers are already taking steps to repeal Michigan’s “right to work” law.“Right to work” bans making the payment of some union fees a condition of employment. It was a major Republican priority at the time.

A feud between neighbors has led the Michigan Court of Appeals to rule rude comments alone are not enough to grant a personal protection order or PPO.

Michigan lawmakers return Wednesday under Democratic control of both chambers and the governor's office for the first time in nearly 40 years. The transition has brought new opportunities for legislation and a lot of changes in legislative staffing.Senate Majority Leader-elect Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) uses the phrase “pent up policy” to describe what Democrats have held onto for decades in the minority.

Several elected officials to take their oath of office this weekend. Including the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State.

Higher education, mental health, and recycling are among the subjects bills signed into Michigan law this month.