Category: Capitol News

By Mary Pollock The frantic pace of the new Democratic trifecta was relieved by a two-week spring break from March 24 to April 10. In the first three months of the 102nd Legislature, they were able to pass all six first-day bills and more. Retirement Tax Relief — For retirees, the most important issue was figuring… Read more

By Mary Pollock PHASED-IN RETIREMENT TAX RELIEF ENACTED Governor Signs Retirement Tax Relief Bill — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill (HB) 4001, now Public Act 4 of 2023, on March 7. It will save 500,000 eligible retired taxpayers an average of $1,000 per year. How It Happened — On January 26, the Michigan Senate adopted in… Read more

By Mary Pollock The first month of the Democratic trifecta in Michigan moved with lightning speed to display its priorities and ability to exercise its prerogatives. Capturing my focused attention was the gubernatorial and legislative announced intentions to move retiree income tax relief as their first priority bills. SERA submitted three suggestions for improvement in… Read more

By Mary Pollock In the political world, the beginning of odd-numbered years like 2023 also means new policy makers at all levels of government and consequently new political dynamics. While the drama of 15 votes to select a new Speaker for the U.S. House captured mainstream media attention, our Michigan Legislative and Executive Office changes… Read more

By Mary Pollock The November 8 election brought a sea of change to Michigan in the form of an unexpected blue wave rather than a forecasted red tsunami. There was a record turn-out for Michigan’s midterm election on November 8, 2022 — 4,500,400 voters or 54.5 percent of registered voters. About 40 percent of the… Read more

By Mary Pollock By the time you read this in print, our airwaves and various inboxes will be liberated from incessant political ads and hopefully we will have newly elected, undisputed officeholders in Michigan and the U.S. Congress. The newly elected State Senators and State Representatives who will begin their service in mid-January will have… Read more

By Mary Pollock Early absentee voting began September 29 in Michigan. Four of Michigan’s 13 congressional districts are considered tossups (3, 7, 8, and 10) and our three statewide ballot proposals are being closely watched nationally. See the September SERA-Nade for information about the three ballot proposals. SERA has endorsed Proposal 2 about voting rights.… Read more

By Mary Pollock Lots of news this month, especially about elections. Attracting attention also is the new $40 million 40,000 square foot Heritage Hall visitor center under the west ground near the Michigan Capitol. It will be welcoming visitors after Labor Day. AUGUST 2 PRIMARY Unofficial results from the August 2 Michigan primary indicate over… Read more

By Mary Pollock The Legislature recessed on July 1 and is scheduled to reconvene for one day on July 20, then off for some more weeks before another one-day session on August 17. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of political activity elsewhere, including on the campaign trail. AUGUST 2 PRIMARY Michigan’s statewide primary… Read more

By Mary Pollock Signature fraud on petitions, great revenue news, budget negotiations, initiated law petition drives, and a first ballot proposal approval all made May and early June an exciting time. CANDIDATES BOOTED FROM THE BALLOT Veteran election watchers and ten candidates seeking State offices were shocked when the Bureau of Elections found widespread fraud… Read more