Michigan House republicans propose ways to cut red tape
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan House republicans are releasing a report they say shows how to confront 'the problem of excessive state regulations, which create barriers and increase costs for skilled workers, small businesses, health care providers, and homebuilders.'
In a news release, they claim, 'There is bipartisan agreement that Michigan should cut this unnecessary red tape. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for streamlining licensing and permitting during her State of the State Address in February.'
On Thursday, a group of republican lawmakers with the House Rules Committee is releasing their Red Tape Reduction Initiative to 'lay out a plan for restoring common sense to Michigan`s state government.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Slotkin on Israel-Iran attacks: ‘Spiral of violence'
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — As by Iranian missiles Friday in retaliation for the deadly Israeli attacks on the nation's nuclear and military structures, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich) is voicing her concerns that the conflict could lead to a larger conflict that puts the entire Middle East at risk. Israel attacks Iran's nuclear and missile sites, Iran responds with drone strikes Slotkin, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement Friday, expressing worry that the conflict and the drastic effects it could have if it were to become a 'spiral of violence' leading to consequences for the Middle East and the United States: 'The strikes in the Middle East create a moment of uncertainty, and there's no doubt that American troops and civilians in the region — particularly friends and family of Michiganders — are at risk of being caught in the crossfire.'But while it's too early to tell how this will all play out, Israel has struck a blow against the hardline Iranian government, a state sponsor of terror that has long held out the threat of a potential nuclear weapon over the region.'Iran has fired ballistic missiles at U.S. bases and Israel for years, and I have seen up close how Iran's proxy forces have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans across the Middle East, and countless civilians.'But here's the thing: as with all conflicts, there's serious danger of a spiral of violence that leads to real consequences for the U.S., and people in the region. Addressing that risk typically takes professionals with a depth of experience. It's essential that the Administration manage the situation — and that's the point that concerns me most.' U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), June 13, 2025 What to know about Israel's major attack on Iran Israel attacked Iran Friday with warplanes and drones that it had previously smuggled into the country, using them to attack key facilities and kill military generals and scientists—saying these measures were necessary before Iran was able to build an atomic weapon. In exchange, Iran retaliated by sending a swarm of drones at Israel, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of 'severe punishment.' Israel attacks Iran's capital with explosions booming across Tehran 'Don't think that they hit and it's over. No. They started the work and started the war,' Khamenei said in a recorded message. 'We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed.' The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Michigan State hikes tuition 4.5%, but leaves wiggle room for legislative cap
LANSING — Students will pay a few hundred dollars more to attend Michigan State University for the 2025-26 academic year, but the exact amount is still in flux while legislators iron out the state budget. Trustees voted June 13 at a meeting in Traverse City to raise tuition 4.5%, but included language that will reduce that amount if the state budget includes a cap that is lower than that, the university said. The state Legislature typically determines a percentage cap that universities can increase tuition for in-state students by, and if an institution goes over that amount it is no longer eligible for millions in state funding. MORE: Michigan State trustees pause demolition of IM West, OK study to decide building's future Last year, that cap was 4.5%, and both Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate proposed that same cap for the coming fiscal year in their budget recommendations. However, the Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives previously recommended a 3% cap, but the bill passed with a substitute that brought the cap to 4.5%. "If you've been reading or listening to the news this week, then you have heard of the threat of additional state appropriation cuts," said Trustee Sandy Pierce, who chairs the board committee of budget and finance. "State appropriations per resident undergraduate student has fallen by 44% since fiscal year 2000 when adjusted for inflation." The state's final budget may take some time to negotiate between the Republican-led House and the Democratic-led Senate. Lawmakers have a July target date to finalize it but the deadline is the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept. 30. MORE: MSU Board of Trustees approves hiring of AD Batt, extension for hockey coach Nightingale As of now, per semester base costs for undergraduate students from Michigan will increase by $399. Freshmen will pay $8,458 per semester, sophomores will pay $8,653 and most juniors and seniors will pay $9,642. Juniors and seniors from Michigan who are in the Eli Broad College of Business or the College of Engineering will pay $9,935 per semester. Undergraduate students from outside Michigan and international students will also see a per semester base rate tuition increase of $399. Freshmen and sophomores will now pay $22,150 and juniors and seniors will pay $22,818. Juniors and seniors who are in the Eli Broad College of Business or the College of Engineering will pay $23,127 per semester. Graduate students will see per-credit hour costs increase a similar rate, the university said. The university said in a statement that the budget allocates an additional $6 million to student financial aid. The University of Michigan raised its tuition rates June 12. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates will increase by about $610, or 3.4%, for an annual rate of $18,346. Tuition and fees for nonresident undergraduate students will increase by $3,016, or 4.9%, for an annual rate of $63,962, according to information posted on the university's website. Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@ Follow her on X @sarahmatwood. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State University increases cost of tuition 4.5%
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Lawmakers debating school funding as budget deadline looms
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – The clock is ticking to pass the state budget, and money for schools seems to be a sticking point. The Republican-led House passed its Wednesday night, and Democrats are responding. The Democrat-led Senate Appropriations Committee met Thursday, and lawmakers say the two chambers are far from agreeing on a final budget. State Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) is in charge of the budget coming out of the Senate and said she has some serious concerns about the $21.9 billion school budget plan coming out of the House, including the timing of it. 'By this time last year, we had already negotiated the pretty critical pieces of our budget,' said Anthony. To get the two chambers on the same page by the July 1 deadline, Anthony says that lawmakers will have to work around the clock. 'I take that statutory deadline very seriously, but I'm not interested in cutting a bad deal for our school districts,' said Anthony. The House chose to eliminate funding for specific programs like free meals for students; mental health and school safety grants; and vision, hearing, and dental screenings. Instead, they are putting that money into a per-pupil payment that school districts can qualify for if they have a resource officer and a mental health support staff member. State Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford), who played a part in the House-created budget, said this gives school districts more flexibility. 'We are giving our schools more money, so they have more freedom to use it at their will. That's the best thing about this budget,' Rep. Maddock said. Anthony sees it differently, though, saying this is unsustainable and would have bigger impacts on low-income schools. 'In a time in which we are trying to right the wrongs of the past and meet the moment, that's just kind of unacceptable,' Anthony said. The senator says that another issue for her is one-time funding being used for programs that she feels deserve ongoing funding. However, Maddock says that dozens of these programs waste money and gave an example of one that he feels is unnecessary. 'It's a multi-million-dollar contract to have people from this company come in to teach our teachers and the people doing recess how to conduct recess in schools. That is a waste of money,' said Maddock. The representative said that the House did what was best for students and said that if they can't get the Democrats to agree, there could be consequences. 'Maybe the government might get shut down,' Maddock said. 'But it's a war worth fighting because Michigan people are great, and they've been taken advantage of for too many years. The Senate school budget plan is $21.8 billion, and has more specific funding designations and community violence intervention grants. Conversations will continue as lawmakers work toward a budget both chambers can agree on. 6 News will keep you updated with the latest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
