May 2nd-15th, 2026

Today, state economic leaders presented updated revenues during the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC). The report showed Michigan’s revenues are slightly stronger than originally predicted. Current fiscal year (FY26) revenues are up $307.3 million compared to January projections, and FY27 revenues are up $173.8 million, mainly due to stronger Income Tax and Use Tax collections. The School Aid Fund (SAF) remains stable, while the General Fund is still lagging but has improved since the January CREC. This improvement can partly be attributed to tax policy changes shifting revenue to the SAF. These updated estimates will guide lawmakers as they negotiate the FY27 budget ahead of the July 1 deadline.

For a more in depth review of the May CREC, you may access the presentations and materials here.

The Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee recently took up testimony on SB 914, introduced by Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). The bill would require prescription drug co-pay assistance to count toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

Supporters of the bill include patient advocacy groups that represent individuals with serious conditions such as cancer, blood disorders, epilepsy, and other diseases that require patients to rely on costly medications. Supporting organizations argue that the bill would reduce unexpected out-of-pocket costs for patients, while simultaneously improving affordability and transparency in drug pricing.

Opposition comes primarily from insurers and health plans, who argue the policy would influence patients to purchase more expensive brand name medications versus cheaper generic options. It has also been suggested that co-pay coupons increase the cost of brand name medications over time.

The bill is now waiting on a Committee vote.

Attorney General Dana Nessel announced last week that southeast Michigan businesswoman Fay Beydoun has been charged with alleged theft of $20 million in legislative grant money that was awarded to her company, Global Link International, during Fiscal Year 2023.

The grant was awarded as Michigan Enhancement Grant to establish Beydoun’s company as a business accelerator for the state. Instead, Beydoun allegedly used the funds for increasing her salary, buying expensive coffee makers and luxury foreign rugs, and taking international trips while the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) continued giving Global Link International the grant funding. At the time, Beydoun also served on the MEDC Executive Committee. In a recent press release, AG Nessel, suspected that Beydoun’s company did not assist any businesses in relocating to Michigan.

Beydoun faces 16 felony counts, the most serious being one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony. She also faces seven counts of uttering and publishing (14-year felony); one count of forgery (14-year felony); one count of larceny by conversion more than $20,000 (10-year felony); and six counts of larceny by conversion $1,000 to $20,000 (5-year felony).

The Attorney General terminated the grant and froze the remaining $6.3 million that has yet to be spent, though no update has been provided on recovering the remainder. An arraignment date has not yet been set.

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.

This week, Republicans and Democrats joined together at Secchia Stadium, home of the Michigan State Softball team, for the 4th Annual Michigan Legislative Charity Softball Game. The event intends to unite legislators from opposing parties around a common cause and emphasize their shared commitment to helping Michigan families. The game raised over $10,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing.

The evening got off to a hot start when, at the conclusion of the first inning, the Democrats were up 3-2. In the bottom of the second, Republican Jay Deboyer sent a ball off the outfield fence for an inside-the-park grand slam to tie the game 7-7. The bats were relatively quiet for the next two innings until the top of the 5th, when Democrat Matt Longhjohn stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. Facing a 1-1 count, he launched a ball over the fence, sending it off one of the outfield light poles for a grand slam, making the score 13-8. One of the Democrats he knocked in was Dylan Wegela, who was a perfect 5-5 on the day.

A heated debate broke out in the 6th inning between Republican Coaches Timmy Beson, Donni Steele, and Kathy Schmaltz, who argued with Democrat Coach Alabas Farhat and Third Baseman John Fitzgerald over whether Democrat Jimmie Wilson bunted a pitch, which is illegal in slow pitch softball.

In the end, the Democrats bested the Republicans 13-10, bringing the series record to 1-3 in favor of the GOP.