Put Money Back in Michigander’s Pockets, Address Criminal Justice Reform, and More
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Whitmer signed six commonsense bills into law. This batch of bills supplements the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to lowering costs and eliminating red tape for Michiganders by putting money back in the pockets of Michigan educators, investing resources into children’s health and wellness, and cutting red tape to enable good government across our counties.
“Today’s commonsense bills will lower costs and cut red tape,” said Governor Whitmer. “Whether it’s saving our inspiring educators money for retirement or helping our children navigate the justice system, I am committed to giving everyone a fair shot to make it in Michigan. These bills will make a real difference in people’s lives and help us build a brighter future.”
Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), delivers supports for families of public safety officers who pass away or are permanently disabled in the line of duty. The bill increases the amount, from $25,000 to $50,000, that a surviving spouse or dependent receives, ensuring Michigan families are given the care and support they need as they grieve their loved ones.
“In communities across our state, there are first responders who step forward and answer the call to serve. They are not alone in answering that call, however — their families stand right alongside them providing comfort and support, while worrying about whether or not their loved ones will make it safely back home,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel. “If the unthinkable occurs, these families should not be left to pick up the pieces alone. While no amount of money can ever fully repay the debt we owe to our brave safety officers or to those they leave behind, we can do better by them, and that’s exactly what we set out to do with this legislation.”
House Bill 5779, sponsored by state Representative Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte) strengthens public access and use of Michigan’s bridges by allowing certain municipalities to acquire, own, and operate a “public service facility—” a structure that provides transportation to the township. The bill cuts complex red tape and ensures local governments have the autonomy they need to better maintain and operate vital pathways for Michiganders. That means fewer roads and bridges in need of repairs that cause damage to cars, saving Michiganders their hard-earned dollars.
“With the signing of this legislation into law, the Grosse Ile community will be able to handle their unique transportation needs,” said state Rep. Jaime Churches. “As an island community, Grosse Ile deserves to own and operate its own bridge, and now it will be able to do just that. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work on this issue for my community, and I’m proud to see it signed into law.”
House Bill 5803, sponsored by state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), eliminates the 3% tax Michigan public school teachers pay towards a health care fund, lowering costs for qualifying teachers and freeing up resources for local school districts. This legislation delivers on Governor Whitmer’s commitment to supporting Michigan’s teachers and schools by putting money back in teachers’ pockets and ensuring public schools have the resources they need to help their students thrive.
“This legislation returns approximately $600 million back to schools — that’s money going directly into classrooms and back to teachers, where it belongs,” said state Rep. Matt Koleszar, chair of the House Education Committee. “As a teacher-turned-legislator, I am proud to see my bill put an end to overpayment into our school’s employee retirement system. My fiscally responsible bill will give back funds to schools to put toward their unique needs, because parents deserve to send their kids to schools that are empowered to put their students first.”
House Bill 5434, sponsored by state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker) designates a portion of M-11 in Kent County as the “Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive.” This bill will honor the service of surviving Korean War veterans, commemorating their courage and sacrifice.
"The brave men and women who served in the Korean War deserve to be remembered. Renaming this stretch of M-11 as the 'Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive' is another step toward honoring their sacrifice and ensuring that their service is recognized and respected for generations to come,” said state Representative Carol Glanville. “I am proud to support this effort to pay tribute to our veterans and their enduring legacy in our community.”
House Bill 5429, sponsored by state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township), allows courts to establish a “Court-Appointed Special Advocate” (CASA) program, ensuring consistent representation for abused or neglected children. By making sure these children have someone advocating for their best interests, our legal system will be stronger and Michigan’s kids will be safer.
"The Court-Appointed Special Advocate program fills an important role in our juvenile justice system,” said state Representative Christine Morse. “They ensure vulnerable children have the support they need. CASA volunteers are a powerful voice for Michigan children, advocating for their best interests and helping them navigate difficult and often confusing legal proceedings. I’m proud to see this legislation signed into law to improve outcomes for Michigan’s children and strengthen our commitment to their well-being.”
House Bill 5393, sponsored by Representative Kara Hope (D-Holt), extends the amount of time juvenile offenders have to complete the juvenile consent calendar case plan from three months to six months. This extended time aligns with the recommendation made by the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, which was created by Governor Whitmer.
“Kids who make mistakes deserve a second chance, and this bill ensures they get it,” said state Representative Kara Hope. “With more time on the consent calendar, a juvenile has more opportunity to get back on track and avoid criminal charges. These cases require the utmost care, which is why we are making this fix to give young people the necessary time to complete their plans.”
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