June 25th-July 12th, 2024

The Michigan Court of Claims issued a temporary order blocking the enforcement of a 24-hour waiting period, mandatory informed consent, and a ban on non-physician professionals providing abortion services. Judge Sima Patel ruled that these regulations conflict with Proposal 22-3, which grants constitutional protections for reproductive freedom, including the right to abortion care without unnecessary burdens. Judge Patel did not suspend all parts of the informed consent law; the requirement that abortion providers must ensure patients are not being coerced into the procedure is being upheld. Supporters of the order argued that delaying abortion care causes significant harm since it is time-sensitive and becomes riskier with time. Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the decision, stating that the 24-hour waiting period and other regulations were unjustified barriers to reproductive health care.

Last year, Democrats in the Michigan House of Representatives attempted to repeal the waiting period and informed consent laws but did not have enough votes to pass the legislation. The case will continue, with further proceedings expected to address what happens next.

The 2024 August primary in Michigan is nearly upon us, with the August 6th Election Day already less than a month away! Whether you’re planning to vote early or on Election Day, knowing the following key information will ensure your vote counts:

1. Stay In Your Lane: In Michigan primaries, you must choose to vote for candidates from only one party on your ballot. Attempting to split your ballot between different parties will invalidate the partisan section of your vote.

2. Registering to Vote: If you’re not yet registered, you can do so up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Bring proof of residence, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to your local clerk’s office, or Register Online.

3. Early Voting: Take advantage of Michigan’s new early voting option from July 27 through August 4. Contact your local clerk or visit Michigan Voter Information for early voting locations and times.

4. Voting Absentee: All registered voters can vote absentee without needing a reason. If you’re on the permanent absentee list, ballots were mailed on June 27. Otherwise, you can Request a Ballot Online or from your local clerk’s office.

5. Track Your Ballot: Use the Michigan Secretary of State’s Tracking System to monitor your absentee ballot’s status.

6. Changing Your Vote: If you need to change your absentee ballot, you can do so by contacting your local clerk before specific deadlines. After these deadlines, changes may not be possible.

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) concluded its deliberations on a redrawn Southeast Michigan State Senate map, selecting the Crane map through a ranked choice vote. This map, backed by commissioners from different political affiliations, garnered the highest points and will now be submitted to a federal judicial panel for final approval. Under the Crane map, the Commission outlined 16 likely Democratic seats, 15 likely Republican seats, and 7 swing districts across Southeast Michigan. Notably, the map avoids pitting incumbent senators against each other and includes districts predominantly centered around Detroit. Here are some key features of the Crane map:

• District 1: New Detroit seat in 2026, including River Rouge, Ecorse, Lincoln Park, and Southgate.
• District 2: New Dearborn seat in 2026, encompassing Dearborn Heights, Melvindale, Allen Park, and half of Taylor.
• District 3: New Detroit seat with Hamtramck and Highland Park
• District 4: 56.8% Democratic Downriver district
• District 5: New Canton, Westland, Plymouth seat with a 60.6% Democratic base
• District 6: Detroit district with Redford Township
• District 7: New Southfield district
• District 8: Livonia/Northville/Farmington Hills-based district
• District 9: Rochester/Troy district including half of Sterling Heights
• District 10: Royal Oak district
• District 11: Safe Democratic district with the addition of half of Warren
• District 12: Will continue to be a 50/50 swing district
• District 13: Democratic district including Milford, Lyon, Lyon Township, parts of Novi, Waterford, and Commerce Township
• District 23: Solidly Republican district within Oakland County
• District 24: Solidly Republican district within Macomb County

The MICRC’s efforts follow Federal Court Orders to redraw the House and Senate maps due to constitutional concerns identified last year. The House map was approved this past spring. To see the map impacting 15 House dstricts, see FEDERAL COURT APPROVES DETROIT REDISTRICTING MAP.

The United States Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine marks a significant shift in federal agency authority, impacting how regulations are interpreted and enforced across various sectors, including health care, environmental protection, and more. For decades, under Chevron, courts deferred to agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous statutes, but now, judges will hold greater discretion in evaluating these interpretations themselves. The 6-3 ruling, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, emphasized that agencies do not possess unique expertise in resolving statutory gray areas and that courts must now independently scrutinize agency interpretations instead of deferring to them automatically.

The ruling has polarized opinions, with conservatives applauding it as a check on executive overreach and liberals warning of potential chaos and setbacks in regulatory protections. This decision is expected to lead to increased legal challenges to federal regulations and could reshape how future administrations navigate policy implementation amid judicial scrutiny. It also raises questions about the future of major policy initiatives as administrations navigate a landscape where judicial decisions play an increased role in shaping regulatory outcomes.

Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) have been appointed as the new Campaign Finance co-chairs for the Michigan House Democratic Fund, filling the vacancies left by Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) and Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park). House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) emphasized their track record as effective legislators dedicated to advancing Democratic values as a top reason for his decision. Brabec expressed enthusiasm for the role, highlighting her dedication to expanding the Democratic majority and building on legislative achievements. Tsernoglou emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming election and pledged to leverage her experience to strengthen the party’s position in Michigan.