As Michigan gears up for a fight over right-to-work legislation, the Michigan AFL-CIO is touting Thursday's Bureau of Labor Statistics annual report that shows union membership in Michigan grew by nearly 50,000 people last year.
The bill sponsor of legislation that would eliminate the asset test to qualify for the state's Food Assistance program said its passage would strip away an unnecessary barrier for families in need and provide a boost to the economy.
Sixteen different Democratic senators were given the gavel for at least one of the 18 committees in the chamber, with two members being named chair of two panels.
The conservative coalition Michigan Freedom Fund announced Thursday it was beginning a new statewide campaign to defend Michigan's right to work law after the Democratic majority in the Legislature included repealing the law as one of its top priorities.
The House and Senate are expected to announce committee assignments Thursday for the 102nd Legislature though the names of many of those who will chair key committees already are circulating.
Legislation to undo the 2011 tax changes that applied the income tax to public sector pensions and reduced the exemption on retirement income from private sector jobs will be the first bills introduced in the House and Senate, legislative leaders said Wednesday as the 102nd Legislature opened.