Honigman Capitol Report

Governor's Office

Whitmer Responds to President Trump’s Regarding Election Security

President Trump suggested the federal government may “take over” aspects of election operations in certain cities, including Detroit, before the 2026 midterms, referencing alleged 2020 fraud in places like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. He also proposed sending federal agents to count votes in cities like Detroit and said others should take over if votes are not counted legally and honestly. Governor Whitmer rejected any federal intervention, stating Michigan’s elections are safe and secure and will continue to be run at the state level. She warned that a federal takeover would be an attempt to take away Michiganders’ constitutional right to vote and vowed it would not happen on her watch. Whitmer highlighted Michigan’s decentralized system with over 1,600 local clerks of varied affiliations who certify accurate results regardless of the winner. She pledged Michigan will conduct another safe and secure election this November, perform its constitutional duty without interference, honor the results, and move forward together. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel echoed Whitmer, citing the Constitution’s allocation of election administration to states and criticizing Trump’s statements as lies. Hertel urged Michigan Republicans to oppose Trump’s stance and said conspiracy theories must end, with the federal government staying out of Michigan’s elections.

Committee News

Bipartisan Health Care Measures Expected to Advance

Republican Senator Jonathan Lindsey expressed optimism that bipartisan health care measures on medical debt and price transparency will advance this year. He highlighted ongoing cross-party talks since his 2022 Senate election, including on charity care standards that evolved into broader medical debt discussions. He framed the issue as highly salient to voters and suitable for bipartisan agreement on meaningful solutions. A Senate committee recently heard SB 701 and SB 702, which would bar large providers or medical debt collectors from charging interest or late fees for at least 90 days after the final invoice due date. He emphasized the bills do not erase medical debt or repayment obligations, but target excessive collection practices that worsen hardship. Lindsey also hopes SB 95 becomes law this year, prohibiting hospitals from collecting debts incurred while out of compliance with federal hospital price transparency rules. The House passed SB 95 after removing a tie-bar to SB 94, which would codify the federal 340B drug discount program for safety-net providers. Lindsey said he prefers moving the related health care bills together to build broad, bipartisan support and secure sufficient votes. He has spoken multiple times with Speaker Matt Hall about 340B despite the Speaker’s opposition and noted the program’s complexity. He added that discussions on 340B remain ongoing.

Election News

Gubernatorial Candidates Attend Michigan Education Association Forum

Gubernatorial candidates debated education funding at an MEA forum last week, focusing on pay, equity, School Aid Fund use, and free meals. Jocelyn Benson proposed raising starting teacher pay to at least $60,000 and boosting pay for other school professionals. She called Michigan’s flat per-pupil allowance a broken one-size-fits-all model. She supports a more transparent, accountable funding system and a top-to-bottom review to create new revenue for education. Benson also supports continuing free school breakfasts and lunches for students. Mike Duggan pledged to return all School Aid Fund dollars to K-12 and keep them there permanently. He opposed new education revenue until the state restores the $1.3 billion diverted since Proposal A, phasing it back over five years by reducing General Fund spending two percent annually. Duggan also supports continuing free school meals. Chris Swanson emphasized higher compensation for teachers and support staff, noting some earn $14 per hour, and supports bonuses tied to hard-to-fill areas. Mike Cox argued increased aid has not solved issues, citing a 70% state aid increase alongside a 10% enrollment drop. He opposes providing free meals to wealthy families and would not extend them to those with means, saying funds should target need. Cox was the only candidate to argue against universal free meals.

On Point

Press Release: Michigan Enacts Anti-SLAPP Law

Looking Ahead

The State Budget Director and Deputy State Budget Director presented the final budget for Governor Whitmer’s term in office. Included in the $88 billion budget are several initiatives focusing on housing, healthcare, education, and the cost of living. Several times the Budget Director mentioned the bipartisan nature of all previous budgets that were signed into law by the Governor, with an allusion to having a budget delivered by June 30 of this year.

There was also mention of the challenges facing this budget that impact the $3 billion projected shortfall due in large part to changes in Medicaid. To offset some of the impacts of HR 1, better known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law in July 2025 by President Trump, the Executive Recommendation requests more than $800 million in tax increases. The increases would largely go toward continued Medicaid services for vulnerable individuals and families across Michigan.

Other major highlights include a $90 million senior property tax credit resulting in 335,000 seniors receiving $345 in savings. Universal pre-K with a price tag of $176 million, free breakfast and lunch, and a tax credit for school supplies. Providing 665,000 families with the working families tax credit, tax exemptions on tips and overtime, and sustaining the repeal of the retirement tax.

Revenue enhancements which are largely directed toward backfilling the Medicaid cuts imposed by HR 1 include a $192.8 million gaming tax, $232 million modernization of the tobacco tax, $73.6 million by closing loopholes in the non-tobacco nicotine products and establishes a 57% wholesale tax on e-cigarettes and vaping products.

Speaker Hall has already responded to the Executive Recommendation drawing a line in the sand on any additional revenue increases and has stated he wants the state to operate within its current means.