MLC Insider Intelligence: April 10, 2026
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: The legislature continued its annual spring break; neither committees nor session were held.
Budget Update: House and Senate Subcommittees will continue holding hearings on the areas within their purview and are expected to begin reporting budgets after returning from spring break.
Beyond the Bio – Meet Rudy Hobbs
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A train conductor.
What is your favorite activity to unwind from work?
A long walk outside.
If you were to give a TED Talk, what would it be on and why?
I would give a talk on how to win a campaign. I’ve successfully run many throughout my career and have a strong track record, along with numerous lessons learned that I can share.
Who are three people, living or past, that you would most want to have dinner with?
My grandfather, Michelle Obama, and Vernon Jordan.
What skills are most important in your role?
Relationship building, public speaking, and organizational skills.
How do you describe your job to someone outside of the industry?
I am a consultant who helps clients monitor legislation and position their organizations to partner with the state.
What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
How important and valuable impromptu legislative office drop-ins can be.
What is one thing about MLC that makes us great?
The level of service we offer our clients beyond the scope of lobbying.
Fast questions, real insights—meet Rudy in our rapid-fire Q&A
Michigan Republicans Hold Convention: The Michigan Republican Party held its endorsement convention for the candidates running in the midterm election this November. The races for Secretary of State and Attorney General are open, as both current officeholders are term limited.
Endorsements: The party endorsed Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini for Secretary of State. He previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives. For Attorney General, the party endorsed Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd. Two seats are up for election on the Michigan Supreme Court this year. The first endorsed candidate for the bench is Judge Casandra Morse-Bills, Presiding Judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit. The second endorsement went to Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren.
Education Endorsements: For the State Board of Education, the party endorsed Terence Collins and Bree Moeggenberg. Additionally, the party endorsed candidates for university boards.
House Democratic Caucus Unveils Statewide Plan: Following dozens of town halls and statewide meetings with constituents from each district, the Michigan House Democrats unveiled their “Vision for a Brighter Michigan” plan. They’ll use this plan as a roadmap, which they say will help tackle the challenges facing households and communities throughout the state.
Key Points: The plan centers on four basic principles. The first is removing obstacles that make it harder for people to get ahead, and instead allows workers to keep more of their earnings. The second is ensuring every person can afford the quality primary, preventative, and specialized care they need. Third, the plan seeks to ensure that every student gets a world-class education and has a clear path to success. Lastly, it seeks to improve the quality of life for every neighborhood in every town by investing in responsible growth.
Importance: “Our Vision is rooted in the simple truth that we may have different viewpoints, come from different ZIP codes, or define success in different ways, but at the end of the day, we all share the same values,” said House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). “We want to work hard and earn a living that actually pays the bills and lets us enjoy our lives. We want access to quality healthcare that doesn’t break the bank and schools that set our kids up for success. We want safe, thriving communities and a real sense of connection. Over the past two years, we’ve been in communities across Michigan listening and learning what matters most. This Vision is built from those conversations, and we’re ready to get to work and deliver.”
Governor Signs Order Addressing Gas Prices: In response to rising gas prices, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order, declaring an energy emergency. According to the governor, it will save drivers money at the gas pump by easing requirements on fuel blends, allowing the sale of higher-vapor-pressure gasoline, which is typically 10 to 20 cents cheaper. Due to the Iran war, gas prices in Michigan have risen from $2.99 to $3.89 per gallon. Drivers are paying 97 cents per gallon more than this time last month and 82 cents per gallon more than this time last year.
Key Points: The order suspends the May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee Counties. The eight counties impacted account for approximately five million Michiganders. Drivers outside of the areas will see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver.
Federal Action: The United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a temporary waiver of federal vapor pressure requirements to allow the production, distribution, and sale of different gasoline blends. This order brings the state in line with the waiver.
Commissioner Elected to National Board: Kristin Beltzer, Administrative Commissioner to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), was voted incoming chair-elect to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA). She will assume her responsibilities in May 2026, when the current chair-elect becomes NABCA chairman of the board. The NABCA is the national association representing the Control State Systems, which are the jurisdictions that directly control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders.
Ms. Beltzer: She was appointed as administrative commissioner to the MLCC in April 2022 and reappointed in June 2023 to serve as chair and reappointed for a term spanning 2026-2030. Prior to starting a consulting and public affairs firm, she served as director of gubernatorial appointments in the Executive Office of Governor Snyder. She also worked as executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, she worked for Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus and spent 17 years on the staff of the Michigan Legislature.
MLCC: Its mission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through the regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcoholic beverage products. The MLCC offers more than 15,000 spirits products that vendors have registered to sell in Michigan, from large national suppliers with multiple brands to one of the hundreds of craft distillers in Michigan that can be found in every corner of the Great Lakes State. The commission partners with more than 22,000 licensed businesses.
Spotlight On Representative Samantha Steckloff: Representative Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) is serving her third term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Prior to her election to the House, she served eight years on the Farmington Hills City Council. Representative Steckloff earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Purdue University.
District: She represents the 19th Michigan House District, which includes Farmington Hills, Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Southfield, Bloomfield Township, Bingham Farms, Franklin, and Southfield Township.
Committees: Representative Steckloff serves as minority vice chair of the Appropriations Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Subcommittee. Additionally, she’s a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Joint Capital Outlay and School Aid and Education Subcommittees.
We asked Representative Steckloff a few questions to learn more about her:
What’s your favorite travel destination outside of Michigan?
A – The Laurentian Mountains just north of Montreal. I’ve been going there since I was 10 with my family and still go to this day. It’s my home away from home.
What’s your favorite hobby other than politics?
A – Hiking and snowboarding.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A – Singer and an elected official.
What’s your favorite game to play or sport to watch and/or play?
A – I love to play volleyball, but fantasy football, the Detroit Lions, and Purdue Basketball are my favorite sports to watch.
Next Week: The House and Senate return from their spring break and are scheduled to hold their typical Tuesday–Thursday session schedule.
Congratulations to MLC partner Brendan Ringlever on his 22nd anniversary at the firm!