AGP Executive Report

Disaster Aid Push: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked President Trump to declare a major disaster for Michigan’s April storms and tornadoes, seeking FEMA Individual Assistance for 37 counties after flooding and nine confirmed tornadoes displaced residents and damaged homes, businesses, and roads. UAW Endorsements: The United Auto Workers backed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and Jocelyn Benson for governor, a major boost in the high-stakes 2026 Democratic primaries. Data Center Fight: Michigan lawmakers and local officials keep circling the same flashpoint—public opposition, energy costs, and local impacts—while proposals for statewide pauses and stricter rules gain traction. Higher Ed Affordability: Students across Michigan formed United Michigan Student Governments to lobby lawmakers for affordability and post-graduation opportunities, aiming to unify voices from public universities. Public Safety & Courts: A prison diversion bill for drug offenses advanced as lawmakers look to reduce repeat arrests, while Michigan courts also saw ongoing legal battles tied to state programs and governance. Community & Environment: Elk Rapids opened Michigan’s first permanent non-motorized boat wash with an accessible launch to help prevent aquatic invasive species.

Federal Research Policy: Radiologists are alarmed by a new OMB proposal that would tighten federal grant rules, add monitoring and reporting, require E-Verify for federally funded employees, and restrict how DEI factors into funding decisions. Immigration & Health: ICE detention is blamed for a sharp health decline in Wisconsin Palestinian activist Salah Sarsour, with lawyers alleging medical neglect and constitutional rights violations. Michigan Politics & Campaign Trail: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson skipped a FOX 2 Democratic gubernatorial debate, saying she was committed to a Detroit educators event—prompting questions about scheduling and priorities. Public Safety & Courts: A Rochester Hills man tied to a $63M check-selling scheme was sentenced to 10 years; in Roseville, a defendant accused of killing his ex was found competent for trial. Local Housing: Oakland County broke ground on Auburn Oaks, a “neuro-inclusive” neighborhood with 55 homes, including 19 for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. State Oversight: Attorney General Dana Nessel marked Elder Abuse Awareness Month and highlighted resources and a June 15 walk. War Powers: The U.S. House approved a resolution to block Trump from continuing the Iran war without congressional approval, with four Republicans joining Democrats.

Gordie Howe Bridge Fight: Michigan Democrats are pressing President Trump to open the nearly finished Gordie Howe International Bridge, saying Customs staff are “ready to go” and blaming political delay for economic harm. Iran War Powers: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to end U.S. involvement in the Iran war, with four Republicans breaking ranks—including Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett—setting up fresh pressure on Trump as strikes continue. Michigan Data Centers: State Sen. Jim Runestad proposed a one-year moratorium on new data center projects, while Flint’s City Council committee advanced a 12-month freeze, as lawmakers and residents weigh electricity, water, and local impacts. Sex Abuse Accountability: Lansing Rep. Julie Brixie reintroduced her Justice for Survivors package to extend criminal sexual conduct timelines and add a one-year revival window for expired civil claims. Public Safety: Kentwood police arrested a suspect tied to two random attacks on a 14-year-old and a 66-year-old. Election Administration: Michigan Democrats dismissed a candidate’s appeal over MSU trustee endorsement convention vote fraud claims. Health & Courts: Federal prosecutors charged two NIH scientists with allegedly smuggling inactivated mpox samples through Detroit Metro Airport while lying to authorities.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House passed a war powers resolution to force President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran or get congressional approval, 215-208, with four Republicans joining Democrats—one of them Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett—setting up a likely Senate fight. Michigan Courts Under Strain: A statewide survey of nearly 300 Michigan family-law practitioners says the family court system is failing across the state, with delays and judges assigned without family-law experience topping the list. Mackinac Island Ferry Control: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill letting Mackinac Island voters amend the city charter to regulate ferry prices and related fees, including baggage and parking. Public Safety in the U.P.: A Marquette-area shooting and chase ended with a suspect crashing into fuel pumps at a Negaunee gas station, triggering a major fire; police say the suspect is in custody. Health & Security: Two NIH scientists were charged in a case involving alleged smuggling of deactivated mpox vials into the U.S. through Detroit Metro Airport and lying to investigators. State Policy Watch: Whitmer also announced appointments of two attorneys to her staff, adding legal talent with Supreme Court and federal appellate experience. Education: Michigan lawmakers are moving to make free school meals permanent, aiming to end annual budget fights over breakfast and lunch for about 1.4 million students.

Mackinac Island Ferry Fight: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 304 letting Mackinac Island voters expand the city’s charter authority over ferry service fees—potentially including early/priority boarding, parking, baggage, and other charges—after residents said total passage costs jumped from $34 to $51. Public Safety: Dearborn launched an “Aggressive Driving Unit” using three electric patrol vehicles to target speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, and other crash-prone behavior. Courts & Accountability: Michigan lawmakers grilled the Rx Kids program as Republicans pressed for oversight and cost concerns while founder Dr. Mona Hanna defended the “universal and unconditional” cash assistance model. Election Law: Michigan’s election rules continue to draw scrutiny as officials and lawmakers debate absentee ballot restrictions and guidance for law enforcement. Health & Federal Charges: Two NIH-linked scientists face federal charges tied to allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox vials through Detroit Metro Airport and lying to investigators. Crime & Threats: A man from Oahu was charged for allegedly threatening Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state Capitol, with authorities saying he planned a shooting trip to Lansing.

Septic Code Push: Michigan Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee advanced SB 771 to create a statewide septic code advisory committee and set a timeline for EGLE to implement uniform standards, with older systems facing periodic evaluations. Election Integrity Guidance: AG Dana Nessel issued election-law guidance to law enforcement ahead of the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election, aiming to protect voters’ rights and clarify key polling-place rules. Local Voting Access: Wexford County commissioners will consider moving the early voting site from the Lake Street Building to the Wexford County Courthouse foyer as the August primary nears. Public Health & Environment: EGLE won a Grand Valley State University internship award for its paid internship program, and Nessel joined a 24-state coalition opposing a federal rule that could steer retirement savings into riskier assets. Community & Safety: Iron Mountain endorsed a $1.2M Safe Routes to School sidewalk/crosswalk project funded by a grant, and Michigan State Police opened registration for a free Northern Michigan Law Enforcement Career Academy. Health Policy Debate: House Democrats renewed efforts to pass a “Death with Dignity Act,” while Republicans signaled they won’t take it up. Crime & Courts: A Marquette-area suspect was arrested after a chase ended with a car crashing into gas pumps and exploding; separately, a man pleaded guilty to a 2022 crime spree including shooting at police and stabbing a K9.

Michigan GOP scrutiny of Rx Kids: At a House Oversight hearing, Rx Kids leaders defended the cash-for-moms program’s payments to undocumented pregnant people as funded by philanthropy, not taxpayer dollars, while Republicans pressed on whether the program is a “scam” and how spending is monitored. Utilities and rates: Consumers Energy filed for a $456 million annual revenue increase—its biggest request in 20 years—setting up a 10-month review and drawing fresh criticism from Attorney General Dana Nessel over a “never-ending cycle” of rate hikes. Public health preparedness: District Health Department No. 2 (DHD2) earned national recognition for emergency planning and response through NACCHO’s Project Public Health Ready. Energy and land-use fights: Fayette Township denied a large-scale Heartwood II solar permit after months of local opposition, while a separate data-center proposal in Mason is pitched as a major tax boost for schools and bonds. Detroit corruption update: Federal charges unsealed in a Detroit People Mover bribery case allege a former procurement official took bribes tied to phony IT contracts. Election ballot stakes: Michigan voters could see multiple statewide ballot questions this fall, including a constitutional convention proposal, if signature thresholds are met.

Transit & Courts: A Wayne County judge dismissed a lawsuit trying to block the SMART bus millage renewal/expansion from the August ballot, arguing the transit authority’s meeting notice fell short and the ballot language is unlawful. Housing & Tenant Safety: In Marquette, renters say a landlord’s failure to fix flooding escalated into threats and defamation claims, while tenants point to a city where many households are renters. Elections & Civic Life: Michigan’s “I Voted” sticker contest is open for public voting through June 30, after the state narrowed thousands of submissions to 30 semifinalists per category. Public Safety: The DNR warns wildfire risk is very high across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, urging caution with outdoor burning. Legal Rights: Michigan Supreme Court rules sex-offender registration changes can’t be applied retroactively to people convicted before earlier law updates. Workplace & Economy: UAW members began a strike at American Axle’s Three Rivers plant, part of a broader fight against auto-parts concessions. Health: U-M researchers urge CPR/AED training for kids, noting Michigan’s school emergency plan requirement isn’t funded. Community & Access: A Lake Michigan beach access dispute near Lion’s Den Gorge highlights how private signage and cameras can restrict long-used routes. Sports/Community: Gonzaga jumped in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 as it adds transfers, while Michigan’s local sports coverage continues to spotlight youth leagues and events.

Data Centers & Power Costs: A national debate is heating up over whether data centers will truly lower electricity bills, with utilities pitching the idea and regulators/advocates demanding proof—an issue Michigan voters are already hearing about as companies expand. Democratic Politics 2028: A new look at the crowded, leaderless 2028 Democratic presidential field highlights how shadow campaigns are forming even without a clear front-runner. Michigan Voting Administration: Michigan is mailing “opt-out” instructions to people automatically registered or preregistered through driver’s license processes, while the state also opens voting for its 2026 “I Voted” sticker contest. Local Public Safety Tech: Saginaw Township approved 34 Flock license-plate cameras at 15 intersections, arguing they help identify stolen vehicles and suspects despite privacy concerns elsewhere. Labor & Auto Supply Chain: About 1,000 American Axle workers in Three Rivers walked out after their contract expired, joining a broader wave of auto-parts labor fights. Housing/Family Policy: Lawmakers are pushing a bipartisan $2,000 newborn tax credit proposal aimed at easing early costs for families. Community Grants: The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan opened applications for two summer 2026 grant cycles, including a women’s giving circle and community impact grants.

Physician-Assisted Suicide: Michigan House Democrats revived a “Death with Dignity” proposal legalizing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, with eligibility and safeguards—setting up a tough fight in a GOP-controlled Legislature. Elections & Voting Administration: Michigan expanded notice processes tied to automatic voter registration and preregistration, with changes taking effect June 1. Public Safety & Enforcement: Michigan State Police graduated 61 new troopers and one motor carrier officer, adding capacity statewide. Local Governance: Cadillac’s Downtown Development Authority moved forward on its “Rear Door Revival” alley art project after a public vote, selecting top concepts for further board review. Civic Life: Marquette’s Maritime Museum joined Blue Star Museums, offering free summer admission to active-duty service members and families. Energy & Infrastructure: A new Michigan dam-safety push highlights the scale of aging, high-hazard dams and the state’s expanded inspections and emergency repair funding.

Michigan Economy & Innovation: A new Ann Arbor SPARK-backed scorecard says Michigan ranks 32nd nationally for early- and growth-stage startup funding, despite strong research universities—while the Ann Arbor region is pointed to as a possible bright spot as university research and venture investment start to compound. Higher Ed Governance: A reader argues Michigan’s elected university boards are a broken system, citing controversy and dysfunction at MSU and UM as proof the state needs to rethink how board members are chosen. Public Safety: In Pere Marquette Township, a 77-year-old Ludington man faces eight felony charges after allegedly firing at Mason County sheriff’s deputies during a standoff; negotiators and an emergency response team were involved. State Tax Policy: Sen. Roger Hauck advances a bill to modernize Michigan’s marketplace facilitator sales tax rules, aiming to close gaps affecting short-term rental platforms. Elections Administration: USPS proposes requiring states to provide federal mail-ballot voter lists, including names and ballot barcodes, raising new hurdles for election officials. National Politics: AP reports Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund is drawing applications from controversial Jan. 6 figures and others, even as legal fights continue.

U-M Data Center Fight: University of Michigan is pressing ahead with a major supercomputing/data center plan in Ypsilanti Township even as the city and township pass denouncement resolutions and a new moratorium restricts water/sewer use for data centers; U-M’s lawyers argue the moratorium is legally invalid and discriminatory. Local Safety & Barriers: A vehicle crash into Detroit Metro Airport’s Evans Terminal adds to a growing pattern of cars hitting high-traffic buildings, renewing calls for stronger concrete/steel barriers to protect against both accidents and attacks. Data Center Noise Lawsuit: Residents near a Dowagiac data center (Alliance Cloud Services) have filed a federal class-action alleging nonstop, 24/7 noise has disrupted daily life and that the company failed to install adequate soundproofing. Budget-Season Politics: Michigan political leaders are bracing for a budget fight before the ballot, with partisan gridlock and election-year pressure shaping the debate. Childcare Zoning Pressure: Detroit-area childcare providers say local zoning rules block expansion even when they meet state safety requirements, worsening an already tight childcare supply. Veterans Recognition: Nominations are open for the 2026 Michigan Veteran of the Year, due June 15, with the winner honored later this summer and recognized at a Detroit gala in November.

Literacy & Education: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order creating the Every Child Reads Champions Council, a statewide group meant to track and advise literacy efforts and support the state’s push to improve early reading outcomes. Elections Administration: The Michigan Department of State says changes to automatic voter registration take effect June 1, with MDOS mailing new registrants an opt-out notice and removing opt-outs from the Qualified Voter File. Local Election Operations: State Rep. Jennifer Wortz defended House Bill 5717 as a practical fix for township election staffing shortages, allowing some jurisdictions to hire accredited election personnel from outside their borders to keep elections running. MSU Governance: A civil liberties group says MSU’s new trustee code of ethics violates the First Amendment, arguing it restricts trustees’ ability to speak and criticize board decisions. Public Safety & Courts: A Traverse City-area Walmart stabbing suspect found competent to stand trial after months of treatment; in Hazel Park, police arrested a 21-year-old after a deadly after-prom shooting and said a short-term rental moratorium was imposed. Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is nearing completion, with opening days away and potential political friction ahead.

Michigan Politics & Governance: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told audiences at the Mackinac Policy Conference she’s not running for president in 2028, then walked it back hours later with a “never say never” caveat while urging lawmakers to finish the budget. U.S. Senate Primary Watch: Michigan Democrats’ Aug. 4 U.S. Senate debate on Mackinac Island turned combative, with Abdul El-Sayed pressing rivals over campaign money and party direction. Campaign Finance & Israel Lobbying: A Detroit News investigation says AIPAC has used donor portals to steer money to Rep. Haley Stevens’ campaign in Michigan’s Senate race, raising questions about transparency and influence. Policy & Public Services: Ann Arbor is preparing EV rebates up to $7,500 to replace expired federal incentives, aiming to spur adoption as a potential national model. Local Government & Infrastructure: A judge blocked Wayne Disposal from taking radioactive waste tied to the U.S. atomic program, a win for multiple southeast Michigan communities. Environment & Energy: Michigan’s data center fight continues after lawmakers and activists warned about property values, noise, and resource strain. Public Safety: A vehicle crash into Detroit Metro Airport’s terminal led to an arrest and brief disruption.

License Restoration: Michigan’s Secretary of State brought a road-to-restoration clinic to Saginaw, pairing eligible drivers with volunteer attorneys, license-status checks, vision testing, and a written exam to help people get back on the road. Courts Under Strain: A new statewide survey of Michigan family-law practitioners says the family court system is in crisis, citing delays, heavy backlogs, and judges assigned without family-law experience—calling for legislative fixes. Elections & Ballot Access: The Michigan Board of State Canvassers cleared GOP candidates John James and Perry Johnson for the August governor primary ballot after signature challenges, while a third candidate fell short. Politics Watch: At the Mackinac Policy Conference, GOP Sen. candidate Mike Rogers pushed affordability ideas, while Democratic Senate candidates debated AIPAC influence and antisemitism concerns. Auto Labor: At Nexteer in Saginaw, rank-and-file workers are pushing back against a third UAW-backed contract, arguing wages lag inflation and urging a no vote.

2028 Presidential Buzz (Michigan): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer publicly ruled out a 2028 White House run, telling reporters she won’t be “one of” the candidates and plans to take a break after her term ends. Ballot Access (Michigan GOP): The Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified nominating petitions for U.S. Rep. John James and businessman Perry Johnson, clearing both for the Republican governor ballot despite signature-fraud claims. State Policy (Health Care): Michigan lawmakers are reviving a push for a “Death with Dignity” package, with House Democrats advancing bills while GOP leaders and medical groups oppose them. Natural Resources (Deer Hunting): The Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved deer regulation changes for 2026-27, including shortening the Lower Peninsula muzzleloader season and adjusting antlerless rules. Courts/Local Government (Detroit): A federal judge ordered Comerica Bank to turn over more than $13,000 from an account tied to former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick toward restitution. Public Safety (Michigan): Deputies arrested a convicted felon on multiple firearms charges after a search during an eviction in Maple Ridge Township turned up illegal guns and suspected narcotics.