Honigman Capitol Report

Governor's Office

Governor Delivers Keynote at Mackinac Policy Conference

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said last week that she does not plan to run for president in 2028, while also leaving the door open by saying “never say never” when asked about her political future during the Mackinac Policy Conference. In her keynote address, Whitmer emphasized that her priority remains finishing her final term strong and avoiding distractions from key policy goals, including delivering a balanced state budget by July 1, continuing housing competitiveness efforts, and advancing literacy initiatives. She also announced plans for a new 16-member “Every Child Reads Champions Council” aimed at improving childhood literacy outcomes through data-driven policy recommendations. More broadly, Whitmer used her final Mackinac conference speech as governor to highlight accomplishments from her administration and to call for bipartisan cooperation on the work still ahead.

Committee News

House Appropriations Committee Work Project Cuts Proceed

Michigan officials reached a settlement allowing approximately $370 million in House-approved work project cuts to stand, with the affected funds now set to lapse back to the General Fund or their originating funds rather than remain available for expenditure. The agreement, filed in the Court of Claims after months of negotiations between the Department of Technology, Management and Budget and the House, resolves part of a broader dispute over $645 million in work project reductions and avoids a court ruling that state officials said could have affected substantially larger sums already committed across Michigan communities. Budget Director Jen Flood framed the resolution as preserving existing commitments to schools, health centers, public safety agencies, food assistance providers, and other local organizations, while House Speaker Matt Hall characterized it as a victory against what he described as improper discretionary spending. Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony, by contrast, criticized House Republicans’ handling of the issue and said the settlement clears the way for lawmakers to refocus on completing a balanced state budget before the July 1 deadline.

Election News

Board of State Canvassers Vote on Ballot Access

Last week the Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to keep Republican candidates John James and Perry Johnson on the August 4 primary ballot while rejecting ballot access for gubernatorial candidates Ralph Rebandt and Kim Thomas, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Bernadette Smith, for failing to meet signature requirements. Rebandt was found short of the 15,000 valid signatures needed after a sampling review, despite arguments from his campaign that additional signatures could have been rehabilitated through clerk verification, and he indicated he is considering legal options. Thomas, whose petitions yielded only 60 valid signatures out of a 750-signature sample, strongly criticized the Bureau of Elections’ review process and accused the agency of unfair treatment, but canvassers dismissed her arguments and emphasized that responsibility for valid petition submissions rests with the candidate. Smith was also removed from consideration after submitting just over 6,000 signatures, well below the threshold. Challenges to James and Johnson did not gain traction, with James’ signature total remaining comfortably above the requirement even if all objections were sustained, and allegations concerning Johnson’s petitions collapsing due to the absence of supporting evidence or testimony from the purported whistleblower.

On Point

Client Alert: SEC Proposes Significant Changes Seeking to Modernize Registered Offerings and Simplify the Public Company Reporting

Looking Ahead

President Guskiewicz Departure Triggers Call for Changes of University Board Elections

Kevin Guskiewicz resigned as President of Michigan State University to accept the presidency of Clemson University in South Carolina. This has prompted increased calls from former Governors Jim Blanchard (1983-1991) and John Engler (1991-2003) among other prominent voices to change the way university boards are governed. House Joint Resolution J, which was introduced by Representative Greg Markkanen and former Speaker Joe Tate, would change the Michigan Constitution and allow for the appointment of regents, trustees, and board of governors for all of Michigan’s universities.

This resolution comes on the heels of other various election related changes sought by various factions of state parties. Following the Michigan Democratic Party convention, bills have been introduced to allow for the Secretary of State and Attorney General candidates to appear on the same August primary ballot as other statewide candidates. Taken together these bills along with another already introduced bill on moving the August primary to May could mean massive changes for Michigan’s election.