MLC Intel: March 20, 2026
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Weekly Recap: The House and Senate met Tuesday-Thursday for session and committee hearings.
Budget Update: House and Senate Subcommittees are holding hearings on the areas within their purview.
Beyond the Bio – Meet Matt Sowash
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a professional hockey player and play in the NHL. I loved the game and played growing up. Unfortunately, I wasn’t fast enough, didn’t have a big shot, and couldn’t see the ice as well as I needed to—so that dream was short-lived.
What is your favorite activity to unwind from work?
In the summer, I enjoy a round of golf. Often, I’ll walk nine holes by myself to unwind after a long week and clear my head. I also enjoy fishing from my kayak on the rivers around Lansing, chasing smallmouth bass. Most importantly, I love coaching my sons’ sports teams and spending time with my daughter and my wife, Megan.
If you were to give a TED Talk, what would it be on and why?
I would focus on the importance of doing ordinary tasks in an extraordinary way. We’re often sold “quick fixes” or shortcuts to get ahead. While technology has changed how we work, excellence still starts with fundamentals. Being elite means consistently doing the ordinary things exceptionally well. Honestly, it’s a message I’d be giving as much to myself as anyone else.
Who are three people, living or past, that you would most want to have dinner with?
Abraham Lincoln – I’d love to learn about his leadership style and how he stayed principled in the face of extraordinary challenges. Nick Saban – I know my MSU friends may not appreciate this, but I’m fascinated by his leadership philosophy and his ability to communicate fundamentals in a simple, yet powerful way. I especially want to hear his thoughts on managing people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His talk on the “illusion of choice” is a great example. My grandfather, Fred Collins – My Papa passed away in 2020 after battling dementia and Alzheimer’s. He was the most influential person in my life. I’d give anything to have one more dinner with him to tell him about my family, my kids, and the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced—much of it because of the role he played in my life.
What skills are most important in your role?
Communication – Clearly conveying complex issues, listening carefully to understand competing perspectives, and building trust with clients and policymakers. Strong communication is foundational to effective advocacy and long-term relationships. Discipline – Staying focused on priorities, following through consistently, and managing the long game. Success in this role often comes from steady, disciplined work over time rather than quick wins. Creativity – Finding innovative ways to solve problems, navigate challenges, and position issues effectively. Creativity allows us to adapt, think strategically, and identify opportunities where others may not see them.
How do you describe your job to someone outside of the industry?
At its core, I’m in the relationship business. We build deep, meaningful, and lasting relationships with key decision-makers in and around state government.
What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Not every challenge is a 10-alarm fire. Fight hard for your clients and build long-lasting, meaningful relationships—but keep perspective. Not everything is the end of the world, and the long game matters.
What is one thing about MLC that makes us great?
Our people. I’m incredibly proud of the team at MLC. We have talented and dedicated professionals who show up every day and work hard for the firm and our clients’ success. And just as important, they’re people I genuinely enjoy working alongside.
Meet MLC Partner Matt Sowash in our rapid-fire Q&A
Firearm Reforms Package Introduced: Members of the Firearm Safety and Gun Violence Prevention Caucus introduced a bicameral package they state will keep schools, homes, and communities safe from gun violence without placing burdensome new restrictions on lawful owners. Making the announcement were caucus chair, Representative Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.), and caucus vice chair, Representative Helena Scott (D-Detroit), along with additional members.
Key Points: The legislation creates certain liabilities for gun manufacturers when their weapons are utilized in incidents of mass violence. Additionally, it would ban bump stocks and large capacity magazines, require everyone purchasing a firearm to complete safety training similar to what is required for holders of a concealed pistol license, and increase the age to buy a gun to 21 years. Furthermore, it mandates a three-day waiting period from when a gun is purchased to when the buyer can possess the gun and tightens a current loophole in the law allowing concealed weapons in certain public areas designated as gun-free. The Senate bills were referred to the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee, and the House bills were referred to the House Government Operations Committee.
Importance: “This is not about gun control, it is about violence control,” Representative Scott said. “Gun deaths are often the result of impulsive violence, whether that is self-inflicted or a domestic dispute. Our goal is to save lives and create safer communities. These bills are practical and widely-utilized steps that respect lawful gun ownership while addressing preventable tragedies that affect families across our state.”
Law Enforcement Caucus Formed: This week, the formation of the Michigan House Law Enforcement Caucus was announced. The coalition is comprised of lawmakers committed to supporting police officers, sheriffs’ deputies, troopers, dispatchers, and correctional personnel. According to the caucus, they’ll advocate for legislation that strengthens public safety, supports recruitment and retention, improves officer wellness resources, and pushes back against policies they believe undermine policing.
Caucus Priorities: Members outlined the priorities they will focus on, including officer safety and enhanced penalties for assaults on law enforcement, recruitment and retention initiatives, including incentives and training support, and law enforcement wellness and mental health resources. Additionally, they will prioritize direct funding and resources to local departments and sheriffs’ offices and policies that uphold the rule of law, protect victims, and reduce repeat offenses.
Members: Representative Mike Harris (R-Waterford) will serve as chair, and Representative Brian BeGole (R-Antrim Twp.) will serve as vice chair. The members are: Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden), Representative Steve Frisbie (R-Pennfield Twp.), Representative Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), Representative Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay), Representative Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Twp.), Representative Phil Green (R-Millington), and Representative Ron Robinson (R-Utica).
Voter ID Moves: Legislation requiring proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote was reported by the House Elections Integrity Committee this week. The bill changes current laws that allow a person to provide their driver’s license or state ID when registering to vote.
Key Points: Introduced by Representative Jason Woolford (R-Howell), the bill requires individuals to verify their U.S. citizenship using approved documentation when registering to vote. The bill details a number of items that could be used to prove citizenship, including a birth certificate, passport, American Indian card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with KIC classification, Bureau of Indian Affairs card number, or naturalization documents, among others. It also requires voters to present a valid ID when casting a ballot.
Next Steps: The bill was sent to the House floor for consideration.
Michigan and Finland Advance Partnership: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland to strengthen cooperation on clean technologies, advanced mobility, defense, and other strategically significant industries. The agreement builds on an MOU established in 2020 to promote collaboration between Michigan and Finland on clean technology growth and development. The agreement will remain in effect for five years and may be renewed by mutual decision.
Key Points: The renewed agreement was signed during a visit from the Ambassador of Finland to the United States, Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola. It expands cooperation across several shared sectors, including mobility innovation, battery technology and energy storage, sustainable forest bioeconomy, and maritime and defense-related industrial collaboration. The MOU also recognizes the importance of transatlantic cooperation to address climate change while strengthening economic resilience and securing critical supply chains.
Areas of Cooperation: The MOU encourages collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, industry, and businesses, leveraging the strengths and assets of each region. This includes sharing, as appropriate, information and experiences on policies and regulations, sharing and developing best practices on creating market opportunities and demand for clean technologies and strategically significant industrial capabilities, and establishing other arrangements that allow cooperation in joint activities of mutual interest, among other areas.
Spotlight On Representative Phil Skaggs: Representative Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) is serving his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives. He began his professional life as a professor of history at Goucher College, Grand Valley State University, and Aquinas College. After leaving academia, he managed numerous campaigns, worked for an environmental organization, and served as legislative director for two state representatives. Prior to his election to the House, Representative Skaggs served on the Kent County Commission and the East Grand Rapids City Commission.
District: He represents the 80th Michigan House District, which includes Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, Cascade Township, and parts of the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township.
Committees: Representative Skaggs is a member of the Agriculture and Communications and Technology Committees.
We asked Representative Skaggs a few questions to learn more about him:
What’s your favorite travel destination outside of Michigan?
Domestic – New York City: Broadway, art museums, dining.
International – Catalonia: Barcelona, Wineries, Pyrenees Mountains.
What’s your favorite hobby other than politics?
A – Hiking with friends and family, especially in National Parks, of which my favorite is Pictured Rocks Lakeshore.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A – A professional hockey player, preferably with the Detroit Red Wings or Montreal Canadiens (I was a big Guy Lafleur fan).
What’s your favorite game to play or sport to watch and/or play?
A – Michigan Wolverine football (the last true National Champion) and the kids’ water polo and swim meets.
Next Week: The House will be on its three-week spring break and isn’t scheduled to hold session. The Senate has scheduled its typical Tuesday-Thursday session schedule and will commence its two-week spring break the following week.
MLC’s Ann Spagnuolo Retiring: At the end of this month, we’ll say goodbye to our longest-serving employee, Ann Spagnuolo, who began in 1988. In nearly four decades, she’s witnessed significant changes. When she started, MLC had just purchased its first computer. Despite that, she quickly became proficient in shorthand and dictation, as the original three lobbyists preferred that method! Now, if you visit our offices, you will see technology woven into every aspect of serving our clients.
Not only has technology evolved during her time, but the firm itself has grown exponentially. From three lobbyists and one support staff to now eight lobbyists and eight support staff. Likewise, we’ve grown from just over 20 clients to nearly 100 with whom we partner with today. “Ann’s institutional knowledge in MLC will be missed,” said MLC Partner Brendan Ringlever. “On behalf of the partners and the entire firm, I want to thank Ann for her years of dedication to MLC and our clients. While we will miss seeing you around the office, we are excited to see the adventures you will have in retirement!”
What is your favorite MLC memory?
Celebrating MLC’s 50th Anniversary! It was amazing to see the history presented and the growth that has occurred over the years. I had a fun time seeing everyone from the past to the current come together to share stories and celebrate the firm’s success.
How has MLC changed the most since you started with the firm in 1988?
The size of the company has grown so much, from just four people to 16 now. Also, MLC had 23 clients when I started and has nearly quadrupled since then, and we offer those clients many more services. As the firm has grown, the processes have changed dramatically. When I started at MLC, they had just gotten their first computer and were trying to find someone who knew how to use it. A typewriter and carbon paper were being used at that time, along with shorthand or typing from a transcription machine for memos and reports to clients. There were no fax machines, pagers, or cell phones back then, and things were much simpler; you left the office and did not have any communication until the next morning. As everyone knows, work can now follow you wherever you go 24-7!
What is the most important lesson you learned during your nearly 40 years at MLC?
I learned quickly in this business that building good relationships is key. Those friendships over the years were critical to helping our clients achieve their goals and find success in Lansing. Also, I learned over the years that no job is too big or too small (always my motto), and you must be willing to do more than what is in your job description.
What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with family and friends. Also, traveling and spending time at our cottage. As a fan of warmer weather, I’m hoping to spend a couple of months somewhere warm during the winter. Lastly, the ability to be spontaneous and do things at the last minute if we want. I cannot wait to see what adventures are out there to explore!