Updates About Governor

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has introduced a proposal to tax vaping products and nicotine pouches at the same 32% wholesale rate that currently applies to non-cigarette tobacco products like cigars and chewing tobacco. Named in the governor’s executive budget recommendation, her administration argues that this change would close a loophole in state law that allowed these nicotine products to avoid taxation. The executive office estimates the new tax could generate approximately $57 million annually, with funds earmarked for programs focusing on smoking prevention, expanded healthcare access, and adolescent mental health initiatives.

Thirty-two states already tax vaping products in some form, due to studies that link higher tobacco taxes to reduced consumption. With a CDC survey indicating that 14% of Michigan high schoolers have used vapes in the past month, all can agree that action is necessary. However, Whitmer’s proposal is expected to face opposition in the Michigan Legislature, where the House Republican majority has historically resisted new taxes.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Patti Tremblay to the Ingham Circuit Court, filling the vacancy left by former Judge Joyce Draganchuk’s resignation. Tremblay is currently serving as the governor’s director of legislative affairs, but has previously held the role of chief legal counsel to House Democrats and other positions within the governor’s office. She will serve until January 1, 2027, and must run for election in 2026 to retain the seat.

Filling Tremblay’s vacancy will be Kara Cook, who previously served as the state’s chief climate and energy strategist. Other staffing changes to the Executive Office (EOG) include Zoe Ahlstrom’s promotion to policy director (previously the EOG’s deputy policy director), and Emma Young’s promotion to education policy advisor (previously a policy analyst for the EOG).

Governor Whitmer has announced appointments to several Michigan boards and commissions. Among the list of changes are the following new and returning appointees:

• Health Information Technology Commission: Janée Tyus (succeeds Renee Smiddy)
• Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services: Laurie Penfold (succeeds Karen Schulz)
• Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect: Claudnyse Holloman (reappointed)
• Michigan Board Optometry: Dr. Paul Hodge (succeeds Lisa Webb Sharpe)
• Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing: Miriam Andare Cuevas (reappointed), Myles Hudkins (succeeds Leslie Pertz)
• Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council: Iris Mehler (reappointed), Alexandra Hayes (succeeds Angel Irvin), Colleen Sullivan (succeeds Elizabeth Kohler), Jason Reaves (reappointed), Ray Schuholz (reappointed), Sheryl Stumbaugh (reappointed), and Nicholas Gable (succeeds Mark McWilliams)

For a complete list of the governor’s board and commission additions, click HERE.

Earlier 2025 appointments can also be viewed in GOVERNOR WHITMER’S LATEST APPOINTMENTS.