3 months, 7 bills: Michigan lawmakers moving slow as campaign season looms

April 8, 2026

Michigan's legislature is experiencing its slowest legislative pace for an even-numbered year this century, having sent only seven bills to Governor Whitmer in the first quarter of 2026. This minimal productivity stems from the state's divided government, with Republicans controlling the House and Democrats holding the Senate, following the end of a brief Democratic trifecta. Property tax reform has emerged as the primary focus of legislative discussions, though House Speaker Matt Hall has yet to introduce his proposal despite indicating it would involve eliminating a state property tax offset by new service taxes.

Who is affected

Michigan residents, particularly seniors 65 and older (proposed property tax refund recipients)
Working people and lower-income residents (potential beneficiaries of tax relief and Earned Income Tax Credit)
Michiganders with medical debt
Selfridge Air National Guard Base personnel and operations
An estimated 8,000 medical professionals whose licenses were at risk of lapsing
Students in Michigan classrooms (cellphone ban)
Families with childcare needs
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
House Speaker Matt Hall
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
Democratic and Republican legislators in both chambers

What action is being taken

The Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate are currently in spring break but scheduled to return to the Capitol on Tuesday
Over 2,600 bills have been introduced since January 1, 2025
The Senate has advanced several bills to the House that are currently awaiting action
Legislators are engaged in ongoing debates over property tax reform proposals

Why it matters

This legislative gridlock matters because Michigan residents are facing high costs for housing and other living expenses yet are receiving minimal policy relief from their elected officials. The divided government structure has created a partisan stalemate that prevents action on critical issues affecting everyday Michiganders, including property tax burdens, medical debt, childcare costs, and prescription drug prices. The slow pace is historically significant—2025 was the lowest performing legislative year since 1842—and threatens to continue through 2026 as lawmakers prioritize campaign activities over governance. Additionally, the contentious budget process that resulted in missed deadlines last year and nearly caused a government shutdown demonstrates the dysfunction could have serious consequences for state operations and services that residents depend upon.

What's next

Both legislative chambers will be back in the Capitol on Tuesday following spring break
House Speaker Matt Hall plans to introduce his property tax relief proposal (timing unspecified)
The final budget is expected to be completed potentially close to the end of September, according to former Gongwer News Service publisher John Lindstrom
Hall has indicated optimism about getting "a property tax cut deal done this year"
Lawmakers are expected to leave Lansing during the summer to campaign ahead of fall elections
The House may take action on medical debt legislation, though Hall has specified conditions including hospital price transparency requirements

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com