MLC Insider Intelligence: October 24, 2025
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: The House and Senate held session and committees Tuesday – Thursday.
Lessons from 33 Years in the Industry: Lessons from 33 Years in the Industry: After more than three decades in Lansing, MLC Partner Brendan Ringlever learned that while faces may change, the legislative calendar and process are very cyclical, and many of the policy issues stay the same. Understanding that rhythm has made him more effective in my work.
Policy Changes: Most policy issues are not new. Many have been around for 20–30 years. In our term-limited environment, institutional memory can be short. Throughout his career, Brendan has seen bills introduced session after session before finally becoming law. He once worked on an issue that was finally signed into law after 20 years of failed attempts by others
Relationships Matter: This is a relationship-driven field. While many are eager to move up quickly, it pays to play the long game. Treat everyone with respect. The people you work with early in your career often reappear in key roles later, whether in government or the private sector. If you’re new to Lansing, spend time building relationships and get to know the long timers. If you build genuine relationships now, you’ll find that later in your career, almost everyone in the state is within reach.
Senate Passes Earmark Reforms: After making changes, the Senate voted 31-5 to pass legislation changing the process of including earmarks in the state budget. Following discussions this budget cycle, both chambers have moved legislation setting up a structure on how these items will be handled moving forward. An agreement to pass reforms was part of the overall budget negotiations.
Key Points: The legislation defines Legislatively Directed Spending Items (LDSIs), commonly known as earmarks. A request for an LSDI would have to be submitted ten days in advance, the sponsor would have to present the request to either the Appropriations Committee or a subcommittee, and it would be posted online. However, the chambers could make a rule that requests be made earlier. The House and Senate would have webpages on their official websites, housing the requests for the public to view.
Next Steps: The bill was referred to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. Representative Tom Kunse (R-Clare) sponsored similar legislation in the House. Speaking on the Senate’s version, he stated, “It’s good to see both chambers working toward a solution. That said, I believe there’s still room for improvement to make the process truly accountable and clear for Michigan residents.” Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) made similar comments, indicating negotiations will be ongoing before a final version of this type of reform is sent to Governor Whitmer. Representative Kunse’s legislation remains before the full Senate for consideration on third reading.
Law Enforcement Grant Program Proposed: Bipartisan, bicameral legislation was introduced this week, creating the Violent Crime Clearance Act, aimed at solving more crimes in Michigan. The package seeks to provide the tools local law enforcement needs to solve crimes and provide support and closure for victims.
Key Points: The plan establishes a grant program, which could be used to hire, train, and retain investigation personnel, acquire and upgrade equipment and technology, and provide support services to crime victims. The House bill was referred to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee for consideration, which is chaired by one of the bill sponsors.
Importance: “Local law enforcement do incredible work, but they need our help,” said bill sponsor Representative Lightner. “Clearance rates of violent crimes are too low in many Michigan communities, because our amazing first responders lack the support they need from Lansing. Let’s change that today.”
Impact of Pause on SNAP Released: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received communication from the federal Department of Agriculture that, due to the federal government funding lapse, there may be limited availability of funds to pay full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits next month. They directed DHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice. In 2023, retailers in Michigan redeemed over $3.6 million in SNAP.
Key Points: Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. Of those, 43% are families with children, and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled. In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. In Michigan, 492,225 children and 38,513 veterans benefit from SNAP.
SNAP Facts: The USDA Food and Nutrition Service administers SNAP at the federal level, with states operating the program at the local level. To be eligible in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and live in the state. To determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, DHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets, and income. SNAP spending generates revenue for grocery stores, farmers, and other businesses, which helps pay local wages, keeps shelves stocked, and boosts the local economy. Nationally, SNAP funding supports 388,000 jobs, more than $20 billion in direct wages, resulting in over $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue.
Spotlight On Senator Michael Webber: Senator Webber (R-Rochester Hills) is serving his first term in the Michigan Senate. He began his professional life as an insurance agent and entered public service in 2007 when he was elected to the Rochester Hills City Council. After serving seven years on the council, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and served three terms. Senator Webber earned his bachelor’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College.
District: Senator Webber represents the 9th Senate District, which includes Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, and Utica, along with portions of Oakland Township, Shelby Township, and Sterling Heights.
Committees: He serves as minority vice chair of the Health Policy Committee and is a member of the Economic and Development Committee and the Regulatory Affairs Committee.
Next Week: The House and Senate are scheduled to hold their typical Tuesday–Thursday session schedule. On October 29, the Michigan GOP is hosting its first debate for the primary race for governor.
Congratulations to MLC President Tim Ward on his 23rd anniversary with the firm, Partner Matt Sowash on 10 years, and lobbyist Monica Martinez on 5 years at MLC!