December 12th-23rd, 2022

The Senate and House Fiscal Agencies reported four percent higher revenue collections in 2022 than in 2021, according to the most recent November revenue update issued by those agencies.

According to the House Fiscal Agency, collections were $99.3 million higher than the previous fiscal year with General Fund (GF) collections at $59.9 million below projections established at the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, caused by larger-than-expected income tax refunds. The Senate report showed GF collections were $134 million below consensus estimates while School Aid Fund collections were $69.7 million above consensus estimates.

The January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference will occur on January 13, 2023. This will be the first of two conferences that inform decisions made around the state budget.

On Wednesday, December 14, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2022-13 which instructs State of Michigan departments and agencies to prepare for the implementation of reproductive freedom in the Michigan Constitution. Departments and agencies are asked to review the aspects of reproductive rights that fall within their jurisdiction and identify ways they can protect and proactively increase protections for the fundamental right of reproductive healthcare.

Michigan voters approved Proposal 2022-3, which was on the November ballot. Proposal 3 will take effect on December 24.

On Monday, December 12, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) filed a lawsuit against both chambers of the Michigan Legislature. The lawsuit was filed to compel the Legislature to appropriate around $3.17 million to the commission for the Fiscal Year 2023.

The ICRC claims that this funding is required under the 2018 constitutional amendment, which warranted the creation of the bipartisan panel. Lawmakers did not pass a year-end supplemental appropriations bill before the adjournment of the 101st session.

As previously reported in Updates from the Capitol, three members of the Wolverine Watchmen were to be sentenced on December 15 for their roles in supporting the plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

On October 26, Joseph Morrison, Paul Bellar, and Pete Musico were charged under Michigan’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 and were later found guilty of providing support for terrorist acts, gang membership, and felony firearms. Among their proposed plans were to storm the State Capitol to take legislators hostage.

On December 15, the three men were given up to 20 years in prison for their charges. Musico will serve a minimum of 12 years, while Morrison and Bellar will serve minimum sentences of 10 years and seven years, respectively.