Legislative Services
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her What’s Next Address to state legislators and leaders, outlining priorities for the fall.
Her address focused on public safety, strong unions, health care, economic growth with new businesses and jobs, environmental protections, clean energy, safe roads, affordable housing, paid family and medical leave, election security and streamlining the permitting process for advanced manufacturing, housing and more.
Since taking office, the Governor and legislature have provided strong economic growth to help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan. Michigan has added 63,000 jobs year over year; the unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in 23 years; and the state has won 16,000 jobs and secured $16 billion of investment with economic development tools that bring manufacturing and supply chains home from China. Whitmer is focused on continuing to grow the economy and create jobs to make Michigan more competitive, improve energy efficiency, expand opportunity, and protect people’s fundamental rights.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an $81.7 billion Fiscal Year 2024 budget with a focus on rebuilding infrastructure, funding public safety and healthcare programs, and creating good-paying jobs through economic development programs.
The budget includes $26.7 million to provide a 5 percent increase (4 percent ongoing and another 1 percent ongoing to communities that obligate all available American Rescue Plan dollars) in statutory revenue sharing to help counties, cities, villages, and townships; and new dedicated statutory revenue sharing funds, 2 percent one-time for public safety initiatives; plus, an additional $64 million over current year funding in constitutional revenue sharing payments.
From 2019 through the end of this construction season, nearly 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges will be fixed. Funds to rebuild infrastructure have been earmarked for fixing roads, replacing lead pipes, building housing, and more:
Roads, Bridges, Transit, Electrification
- $416 million to fix roads and build up public infrastructure.
- $80 million supporting Michigan's Bridge Bundling program to replace or rehabilitate more than 20 structurally deficient bridges.
- $50 million for Intermodal Capital Investment Grants to support investments in rail, marine, intercity, and local transit infrastructure that have the potential to leverage federal funding opportunities.
- $21.3 million for clean energy and electric vehicle infrastructure investments.
- $52.9 million for the Information Technology and Investment Fund for modernization of legacy IT systems supporting local income tax collections for those communities that elect to participate, environmental permitting and inspection, groundwater protection, occupational safety and health, and talent recruitment and retention.
- $1 million to begin the transition of the State of Michigan’s fleet to electric vehicles.
- $5 million for a critical mineral recycling research hub.
One of the deadlines for eligible veterans to apply for PACT Act-related benefits has been extended due to website technical issues. Applications for retroactive benefits to Aug. 10, 2022 must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.
Those who are newly eligible for VA health care under the PACT Act must apply before Sept. 30.
According to the VA’s message, "Due to high volume, some Veterans have received error messages when submitting their intent to file PACT Act claims. If you received one of these messages, don’t worry! We have logged your intent to file and saved your effective date for benefits."
To expedite assistance, veterans should contact their county veteran services office if you are experiencing issues with the online portal, wrote Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, in an email notice to constituents. Listed below is contact information for MI-07 county offices:
Oakland County: Pontiac Office: (248) 858-0785 or Troy/South Oakland Office: (248) 655-1250
Livingston County: (517) 546-6338
Ingham/Clinton County: (517) 887-4331
Shiawassee County: (989) 743-2231
Genesee County: (810) 257-3068
Eaton County: (517) 543-3740
Eligibility under the PACT Act includes people who served in combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or who served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after Nov. 11, 1998. To receive benefits under the PACT Act, you must have been discharged or released between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, and must have not enrolled in VA health care before now. Veterans that have left service after Oct. 1, 2013 have ten years from their separation date to apply for benefits as allowed by the regulations.
Karoub Associates released the Michigan Government Directory for the 102nd Legislature (2023-2024), which features contact information for the Governor's office, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Legislature and State Department Directors. The directory also lists legislative committee members and subcommitee members.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced several changes in leadership for various State Departments. The governor also announced promotions for staff in the executive office.
The governor has selected Dan Eichinger as acting director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); Michelle Lange as director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB); Adam Hollier as director of the Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA); Brian Hanna as executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA); Brad Wieferich as acting director of the Department of Transportation (MDOT); Kathy Angerer as acting director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); and Shannon Lott as acting director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Below are the bios of those appointed:
Dan Eichinger, Acting Director of EGLE
Dan Eichinger will serve as the acting director of EGLE. Dan is currently the director at the Department of Natural Resources, where he has served since 2019. Before entering the administration, Dan was the executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, where he helped re-establish MUCC as a driving force for conserving Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. Eichinger earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University. He also obtained a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Under Liesl Clark's leadership, EGLE played a lead role in the state's response to historic floods and high waterlevels; effectively managed record-breaking, bipartisan investments in water infrastructure; established the state’s first drinking water standards for PFAS; guided the City of Flint in establishing a backup water supply; and supported the City of Benton Harbor as it replaced its lead service lines in less than one year. Clark also helped develop and launch the MI Healthy Climate Plan to create jobs, lower energy costs, and advance equity while putting Michigan on the path to carbon-neutrality.
