MLC Insider Intelligence: Weekly Update
November 7, 2025
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: The House held session and committees this week. The Senate didn’t hold session, but committees met throughout the week.
From the Inside: 20 Years of Professional Lessons: After twenty years in the government and political world, MLC Partner Rudy Hobbs has learned that success isn’t built solely on policies, strategies, or speeches. It’s built on people. Relationships are the true foundation of achievement in public service. Strong relationships don’t happen by accident but are built over time through consistency, honesty, and respect. In a field where change is constant and the stakes are high, people remember how you treat them far longer than they remember a single decision or vote.
Key Points: Honesty, above all else, keeps those relationships strong. Delivering good news is easy; anyone can do that. Telling the truth when the news isn’t good or when a project stalls, a budget gets cut, or a plan needs to change defines your character. People might not always like what you have to say, but they will respect your transparency. Just as important is keeping your word. Promises are powerful in this industry, and every commitment, big or small, reflects your reliability. When you do what you say you’ll do, you show people that they can count on you. Lastly, strategy is key. It’s not just about reacting well but anticipating what’s next. Being proactive, thinking through consequences, and planning for multiple outcomes are what separate good leaders from great ones. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being prepared for the questions that will come.
Importance: Twenty years in this field have taught Rudy many lessons, but they all circle back to one truth: success is built on relationships, strengthened by honesty, guided by trust, sharpened by strategy, and sustained by vision. Everything else follows from there.
Committee Reports Tax Credit: Legislation allowing individuals who invest in qualifying Michigan-based businesses to claim an income tax credit was reported by the House Finance Committee this week and referred to the House Rules Committee for consideration. While a tool for economic growth, according to the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency, the credit would impact both the School Aid Fund and the general fund.
Key Points: Under the bill, a taxpayer who makes a certified qualified investment in a Michigan-headquartered business may claim a credit equal to 50% of the investment. The credit is limited to a maximum of $3,000 per investor per business per tax year. To qualify, the taxpayer must have certification that it’s determined to be a qualified investment from either an independent certified public accountant or the Michigan Strategic Fund within 60 days of investing.
Importance: “This bill gives Michiganders a real opportunity to invest in their state and local companies and be rewarded for it. Supporting homegrown businesses means strengthening our communities and growing Michigan from the inside out,” said Representative Jenkins-Arno.
Tariff Impact Information Released: In response to an executive directive issued by Governor Whitmer in July, several State of Michigan departments submitted reports on the impact of federal tariffs on Michigan’s economy. The impact on agriculture alone could be massive as the industry contributes nearly $126 billion to the state’s annual economy and supports more than 800,000 jobs in Michigan.
Greatest Impact: The tariffs will impact farmers and families, with notable sharp declines in agricultural exports, and higher prices of spices, food packaging, and food at the store. Additionally, homebuilders and homebuyers will experience a potential nationwide increase of up to $4 billion on materials necessary for home construction and an increase in already record home prices, raising the cost of homes by $10,000. Lastly, it will impact construction contractors and workers on road projects, including increased uncertainty of planned projects going forward, and an up to $218 million impact when factoring in increased prices from tariffs and inflation.
Further Impact: Additional impacts will be felt throughout the state, including increases in procurement costs, which are already impacting ongoing state projects, including the new state psychiatric hospital, state laboratory, and the Barraga Correctional housing unit.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is concerned that rising material costs to fix the roads could increase by $168 million, diminishing the state’s ability to fix critical roads and bridges on time and under budget.
Detroit Elects New Mayor: For the first time since 2014, Detroit will have a new mayor, and for the first time in the city’s history, a woman will serve in the role. This week, 77% of voters in Michigan’s largest city voted to elect Mary Sheffield as the next mayor of the City of Detroit.
Biography: She began her role in public service in 2013 when she became the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council. She later went on to be elected Council President in 2022, the youngest person ever to hold the seat. Throughout her career, Mayor-elect Sheffield has received numerous honors and recognitions, including Crain’s 20 in their 20s and 40 Under 40, the NAACP Great Expectations Award, and the Black United Fund’s 2024 Black Excellence Award, among others.
City of Detroit: Incorporated as a city in 1815, Detroit is the most populous city in Michigan with a population of over 640,000. Additionally, it ranks as the 26th most populous city in the nation. Known as the Motor City, it’s home to the invention of the moving assembly line and is the birthplace of Motown Records and Motown music.
Spotlight On Representative Stephanie Young: Representative Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) is serving her third term in the Michigan House of Representatives. She was elected by her peers this term to serve as chair of the Detroit Caucus, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and chaplain for the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. She began her professional career working as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative Young went on to work with numerous mayoral administrations and community advocacy organizations, including the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. Prior to her election, she served as the first executive director of Detroit’s Community Education Commission. She is on the ministerial staff at her home church.
District: She represents the 16th House District, which includes northwest Detroit and southern portions of Livonia and Redford Charter Township.
Committees: Representative Young serves as minority vice chair of the Families and Veterans Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee.
We asked Representative Young a few questions to learn more about her:
What’s your favorite travel destination outside of Michigan?
A – Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. Love the fresh mountain air and the host of things to do. Last trip, road and ATV up a mountain. First and LAST time!!
What’s your favorite hobby other than politics?
A – Hobby/Stress Reliever – going to the movies! I use movie references in almost every conversation. Just did it over lunch with Emily!
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A – Female version of Perry Mason! I always wanted to be a lawyer but found a way to still be involved as a lawmaker instead. Saved a lot of money too (law school debt)!
What’s your favorite game to play or sport to watch and/or play?
A – I don’t watch sports much because I get way too involved. Every play I’m on my feet, talking to the refs and players, and it doesn’t matter the sport. Cycling is the closest I get to loving a sport. Been riding since I was five, and it’s just as much fun now, maybe even more because I can ride in the street.
Next Week: In observance of Veterans Day, MLC will be closed on Tuesday, November 11. State offices are also closed that day. The House and Senate are scheduled to hold session on Wednesday and Thursday. This is the final week of session before taking their annual two-week hunting break.