Updates About Legislature

After a slight delay in finalizing budget targets, a recent late night negotiation session has resulted in a framework agreement for the 2026-2027 (FY 27) fiscal year.

With broad targets reached, lawmakers remained in Lansing through the weekend to continue their negotiations. Latest reports indicate negotiations are moving along in department funding but have not yet reached funding for Legislatively Directed Spending Items (LDSIs). In total, lawmakers have requisition over $4.3 billion in these special projects. Under a law passed last November, all LDSIs must now be made public at least 45 days before the budget is approved by the Legislature. Due to this new law, any requests submitted after May 18 cannot be included if the budget passes by July 1.

The budget is expected to be smaller than last year’s and will reportedly not include new revenue streams or tax increases, meaning spending cuts are likely in some areas. Though Speaker Hall has made property tax cuts a top priority, indications show it is unlikely to be packaged in with the budget.

Another item that could be negotiated as the budget moves along are the House or Senate version of medical debt relief bills. Both chambers introduced identical legislation, HB 5254 and HB 5255, equivalent to SB 701 and SB 702 would cap the maximum interest rate on medical debt and prohibit wage garnishment or home foreclosure due to medical debt.

While many were hopeful that the budget would be done by July 1, it is becoming more likely that we will see a completed around July 3, just ahead of Independence Day weekend.

Newly-elected Senator Chedrick Greene (D-Saginaw) has recently been given his committee assignments, following the special election in Senate district 35. He was placed on the Senate Labor Committee, Regulatory Affairs Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Veterans and Emergency Services Committee.

His assignments come after a Senate Resolution was adopted to expand the Senate’s Labor, Regulatory Affairs, and Veterans and Emergency Services Committees by one to allow Sen. Greene a seat. He replaced Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) on the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference will take place Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber, this annual conference offers a way for leaders in state government, business, and various other industries to discuss key issues impacting the state’s economy and public policy. Throughout the week and across the island, attendees can partake in policy discussions, network, attend lawmaker fundraisers, and hear relevant new updates from elected officials and industry leaders.

Because of the conference, the Legislature is not expected to hold session or committee meetings in Lansing that week. Clients interested in attending or learning more are encouraged to explore the full Conference Agenda. Additional details can be found on the Detroit Chamber’s FAQs/Attendee Information page.