MLC Insider Intelligence: January 23, 2026
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: The House and Senate held session and committees on Wednesday and Thursday.
Governor On Investment Mission to Switzerland: Governor Gretchen Whitmer is currently on an investment mission in Switzerland, seeking to strengthen Michigan’s global partnerships to attract new investment. Additionally, the mission aims to position the state as a premier destination in advanced manufacturing, defense, and high-tech industries. While in Switzerland, the governor is meeting with senior executives, investors, and industry leaders to showcase Michigan’s competitive advantages and build relationships that can translate into jobs and long-term investment back home.
World Economic Forum: As part of the mission, Governor Whitmer participated in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, where global leaders from business, government, and academia convene to shape the future of the global economy. The governor’s engagement at WEF underscores Michigan’s role in global supply chains and its leadership in sectors critical to national and economic security, including defense, aerospace, advanced mobility, and clean energy. Michigan’s defense industry, anchored by a highly skilled workforce, robust manufacturing infrastructure, and strong ties to the U.S. Department of Defense, is a central focus of meetings throughout the mission. By maintaining a strong presence at WEF, Michigan elevates its profile, competes directly with other global regions for investment, and ensures the state’s voice is heard in conversations shaping the future of industry, trade, and innovation.
Switzerland: The country is home to a strong concentration of global companies in advanced manufacturing, defense technologies, and life sciences, which are industries that align closely with Michigan’s strategic economic priorities. Currently, Switzerland is Michigan’s ninth-largest source of foreign direct investment. Since 2019, nine Swiss companies have launched ten projects in the state.
Housing Tax Credit Extension Proposed: Representative Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) announced his plan to continue a current affordable housing credit program, which is set to expire next year.
Key Points: Signed into law in 2022, the Residential Housing Facilities Act and the Attaining Housing Facilities Act allow communities to establish districts where developers can construct housing that is eligible for certain tax breaks, provided they meet specific affordability criteria. To qualify for the tax credit of up to 50%, developers must construct housing units for residents making under 120% of the area median income. The legislation would extend the sunset date to the end of 2037.
Importance: “These attainable housing districts have been working for Northern Michigan,” said Representative Cavitt. “By drawing these developers in to build affordable and attainable housing, we’re expanding our tax base and creating more opportunities for young people to live closer to where they work. These housing districts are letting young teachers live near their schools, and young hourly employees live close enough to get home in time for dinner.”
House Moves Changes to Attorney General’s Office: This week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation altering the Attorney General’s authority.
Key Points: The three-bill package, introduced by members of the Republican caucus, ends the practice of filing lawsuits and prosecutions in Ingham County when the alleged conduct occurred elsewhere and would require filing according to Michigan’s normal venue standards.
Furthermore, it places limits on when the Attorney General may intervene in cases. If signed into law, she or he could only intervene in civil or criminal proceedings in situations where such action is formally requested by the governor or either chamber of the Legislature, and only in cases filed within Michigan.
Next Steps: The bills will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Governor Announces Economic Transition Strategy: At the Detroit Auto Show, Governor Whitmer announced the release of the state’s first-ever Michigan Economic Transition Strategy, which is aimed at building a stronger, more resilient future. In 2023, the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office was created and tasked with helping the state anticipate and navigate economic transitions, particularly in the auto and energy sectors. One of the office’s core responsibilities was developing and publishing a statewide economic transition strategy that aligned efforts across government, industry, labor, and communities.
The Michigan Economic Transition Strategy: The strategy was developed over the past year and a half with extensive stakeholder input. An advisory committee of 75 members representing more than 60 organizations in 40 counties contributed insight to shape the approach. The strategy itself connects three priorities under one unified vision: industry growth and diversification, community resilience, and employee engagement and empowerment. It outlines programs and recommendations that help Michigan prepare for economic change and take the next step.
Priorities: The first priority aims to bridge the gap between our economic future and our industrial legacy and heritage. It serves both as a tool to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adapt to economic change, and as a strategic comparative advantage to attract new investment from companies seeking dependable supply chains built for what’s coming next. The second priority focuses on community resilience, as many communities lack data, information, or mechanisms for collaboration to turn a vision into an actionable, implementable plan. Rather than prescribing top-down solutions, the state should lean into its role as a provider of information and as a capacity enhancer, supporting communities to chart their own paths for the future. Lastly, the strategy prioritizes employee engagement and empowerment through helping workers prepare for and succeed in this changing economy. By filling gaps in existing services and coordinating resources across the state, the Transition Office ensures that workers, especially those at risk of being left behind, can participate in, benefit from, and help shape Michigan’s economic future.
Spotlight On Representative Tyrone Carter: Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) is serving his fourth term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Prior to elected office, he spent 25 years with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, attaining the rank of Executive Lieutenant before retiring in 2008. He has served as Assistant Director of Campus Police at Wayne County Community College District and as a Community Involvement Specialist at Southwestern High School, his alma mater. He’s also a small business owner. Representative Carter graduated from Central Michigan University, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Police Academy, the FBI National Academy, and the Michigan Political Leadership Program.
District: Representative Carter represents the 1st House District, which covers a portion of the City of Detroit, as well as the cities of Ecorse and River Rouge.
Committees: Representative Carter serves as minority vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Finance and Regulatory Reform Committees.
We asked Representative Carter a few questions to learn more about him:
What’s your favorite travel destination outside of Michigan?
A – South Africa.
What’s your favorite hobby other than politics?
A – Listening to jazz and attending concerts.
What’s your favorite game to play or sport to watch and/or play?
A – Tennis.
Next Week: The House and Senate are scheduled to hold their typical Tuesday – Thursday session schedule.