April 15th-25th, 2025

The state’s next Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC) will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Capitol Building’s House Appropriations Committee Room. At the conference, experts will present updated forecasts for the federal and Michigan economies, along with revised revenue projections for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025 and the upcoming ’26 and ‘27 fiscal years. The official revenue estimates, which guide the state’s budget process, will be agreed upon by the State Treasurer or State Budget Director, the Director of the Senate Fiscal Agency, and the Director of the House Fiscal Agency. The CREC will be available to watch live here on the day of the event.

Michigan is seeing a significant rise in measles and whooping cough cases as childhood vaccination rates decline. In 2024, the state reported over 2,000 cases of whooping cough—a major increase from the previous year—with nearly 700 cases already confirmed in 2025. The state has also seen its first measles outbreak since 2019, totaling nine cases so far. Health officials attribute the resurgence of these preventable diseases to declining vaccination rates and are urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on routine immunizations.

Michigan is seeing a significant rise in measles and whooping cough cases as childhood vaccination rates decline. In 2024, the state reported over 2,000 cases of whooping cough—a major increase from the previous year—with nearly 700 cases already confirmed in 2025, including more than 100 cases in infants under 2. The state has also seen its first measles outbreak since 2019, totaling nine cases so far. Vaccination rates for both diseases remain well below recommended thresholds, with only 79% of Michigan children vaccinated against measles and 71% receiving four or more doses of the DTaP vaccine, down from 85% and 77% respectively in 2020. Health officials attribute the resurgence of these preventable diseases to declining immunization rates and increased vaccine hesitancy noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Receive updates on the Michigan Measles outbreak in the MDHHS Measles Dashboard.

Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) has proposed a $1 million allocation for a new “Statewide Fentanyl Enforcement” initiative in the Michigan State Police budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The funding would bolster the department’s existing task force operations, which collaborate with other agencies to identify and prosecute fentanyl traffickers across the state. Hertel noted the investment is a direct response to the increasing impact of fentanyl in Michigan communities.

As the Senate Appropriations Military, Veterans and State Police Subcommittee Chair, Hertel believes the appropriation would provide resources to help MSP and its partners identify fentanyl sources, disrupt distribution networks, and hold traffickers accountable. The subcommittee approved the broader FY 2026 State Police budget, which includes this allocation, on a 2-0 vote.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer confirmed recently that a special election will be called to fill the vacant 35th Senate District seat, which has remained unoccupied since U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) was elected to Congress last fall. While Whitmer acknowledged the election is forthcoming, no official timeline has been announced, and her office continues to review potential dates. The vacancy has drawn criticism from Republicans and local business groups urging action, as it marks the longest unresolved legislative vacancy during the governor’s tenure. The outcome of the special election could impact the current 19-18 Democratic majority in the Senate, with the possibility of a 19-19 tie if Republicans win the seat. The 35th Senate District is considered politically competitive and includes the tri-cities Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw.

Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Okemos) has lost her floor speaking privileges and parking access in the Roosevelt Parking Structure after admitting to wrapping Rep. Matt Maddock’s (R-Milford) vehicle in cling wrap in response to him parking across two spots, including hers. The incident followed a floor announcement by Brixie that drew attention to his vehicle and led to its discovery. House Republican sources say further disciplinary actions are still under consideration.