MLC Insider Intelligence: May 29, 2026
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: The House and Senate did not hold session this week as the majority of members were attending the annual Detroit Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference.
Elections Reforms Announced: Constitutional amendments were announced in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, aiming to reduce the impact of partisanship in the nominating process. Most notably, the proposal amends the process for nominating candidates for attorney general and secretary of state by moving the nomination from party conventions to a traditional ballot box vote. If adopted, the change would take effect beginning on January 1, 2027.
University Boards: The plan would also institute new ethics requirements and establish term limits for board members of Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University. Board members would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, rather than nominated by partisan conventions. A ninth member would be added to all three boards, chosen by the governor from names submitted by the alumni associations of each university. Lastly, it would impose the same ethical standards that are in place at the 12 appointed university boards.
Process: It will take a two-thirds vote of approval by the legislature to place the constitutional amendments on the ballot. To be placed on the August 4, 2026, primary ballot, the legislature would need to act by June 4.
Increased Corrections Oversight Proposed: Legislation was announced that aims to promote safety and transparency across Michigan correctional facilities. While the proposal was introduced by two members of the Republican Caucus, co-sponsors of the bills include members on both sides of the aisle.
Key Points: The proposal expands the authority of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to investigate complaints from corrections employees, family members, and prisoners’ advocates. Current law only permits prisoners or legislators to file complaints. It would require the Department of Corrections to provide the ombudsman with access to critical records, including medical, mental health, mortality, and morbidity records, without requiring special release forms. The ombudsman would be required to publish annual and monthly public reports detailing the number of complaints received and how complaints were resolved.
Oversight: The Legislative Corrections Ombudsman is an independent office responsible for investigating complaints involving the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Summer Energy Outlook Released: Unrest overseas and supply disruptions will continue to increase the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel, according to the latest report by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The assessment of Michigan’s energy baseline is conducted twice per year to raise awareness of the energy environment, including supply and prices, expected conditions, and changes projected over the coming six months.
Gas: Michigan gasoline sales are expected to decline by 4.7% in 2026. The average price statewide for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has increased by 51% year-over-year. Conversely, natural gas consumption is expected to rise by 6.5% this year. Natural gas storage levels in Michigan are projected to be 0.8% lower than in 2025. Notably, Michigan has over 10% of the nation’s available underground storage capacity for natural gas, the largest of any state.
Electricity: If typical weather holds, total electric sales are expected to decrease by 0.6% year-over-year. Michigan residential electric rates are higher than the national average; however, average electric bills in Michigan are lower than the national average. Residential electric customers saw a weighted average rate increase of 4.6% from the prior year.
Governor Signs Air Base Funding: This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill appropriating $152 million in funding to upgrade the runways and infrastructure at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Signing the bill prior to the June 1 deadline unlocked $792 million in federal investments in the base and ensures it’s ready for new F-15EX fighter jets to begin arriving by 2028.
Key Points: Governor Whitmer and President Trump announced the expansion in April 2025, in agreement with the U.S. Department of War. Approximately 20 F-15EXs will be stationed at the base, in addition to the already planned KC-46As, which the base is set to receive. At the time of the announcement, the Department of War said the F-15EXs would begin arriving in FY28.
Economic Impact: The base, which is located in Macomb County, contributes an estimated $850 million to Michigan’s economy, supporting 30,000 jobs statewide.
Additionally, Selfridge supports Michigan’s defense industry, which contributes $30 billion to the state’s economy and supports approximately 166,000 jobs. It is home to units from every U.S. Armed Service except Space Force, as well as homeland security operations by Customs and Border Protection.
Spotlight On Senator Michele Hoitenga: Senator Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton) is serving her first term in the Michigan Senate after serving two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. Prior to her election to the legislature, she served as Mayor of Manton from 2013 to 2016. Together with her husband, she owns an energy consulting business.
District: She represents the 36th Michigan Senate District, which includes Alpena, Alcona, Arenac, Crawford, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford counties, along with portions of Bay and Manistee counties.
Committees:
Local Government, minority vice chair
Housing and Human Services
Natural Resources and Agriculture
Next Week: The House and Senate are scheduled to hold their typical Tuesday – Thursday session schedule. On Thursday, June 4, Fox 2 Detroit is hosting a debate for Democratic gubernatorial candidates.
Leading up to the August 4 primary, we are highlighting key races shaped by voter demographics in the district. Candidate websites and professional backgrounds are listed when available.
41st House District Primary Election Overview: Democratic Representative Julie Rogers is foregoing a fourth term in the Michigan House to run for the Michigan Senate. This open seat has a strong Democratic base of 74.5%, making the primary election key to who will represent this district next term.
District Overview: The district includes Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Portage, and Comstock Township.
Democratic Candidates:
Jen Strebs –Kalamazoo County Commissioner, serving as chairperson
Jessica Swartz – Attorney
54th House District Primary Election Overview: Instead of running for a third term in the House, Representative Donni Steele is running for a seat in the Michigan Senate. This open seat has a 53.7% Republican base; thus, the winner of the Republican primary will face a competitive general election this fall.
District Overview: The district includes the city of Bloomfield Hills, Orion Township, a portion of the city of Auburn Hills, and portions of Bloomfield Township and Oakland Township.
Republican Candidates:
Roman Gaskey – Fundraiser for startup businesses, worked in data analytics, market research, and business strategy.
Jeffrey Omtvedt – Former Exford Township Trustee
59th House District Primary Election Overview: Republican Representative Doug Wozniak opted to run for the Michigan Senate, leaving this seat open. The district has a 62.3% Republican base, making that primary race key to who will represent this seat next term.
District Overview: The district includes portions of Macomb and Shelby Townships in Macomb County.
Republican Candidates:
Sylvia Grot – Macomb County Commissioner
Matt Grubb – Police officer
Jean Zott – Certified public accountant