DETROIT – Significant legislation creating a 100 percent clean energy standard by 2040 and giving the state more authority in siting largescale wind and solar projects were among the handful of bills signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to divide Michigan Democrats with some calling for a sustained ceasefire in the region to avoid more civilian casualties of Palestinians living in Gaza, while similar minded protesters assembled outside U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' home during the weekend.
Legislation giving the Public Service Commission siting authority over large solar and wind projects and setting a 100 percent clean energy standard narrowly passed the House about midnight Thursday following a day of negotiating and writing amendments.
Two top Democrats in the Legislature introduced legislation on Wednesday that would cap payday lending interest rates at 36 percent.
Legislation to ensure that expunged records could not be used to deny people access to housing or job opportunities passed the House by thin margins on Tuesday.
Several residents and advocates testified in support of legislation that would create a water rate affordability fund and prevent water shutoffs for residents with health issues on Thursday, discussing the continued struggle for many due to costly water bills.
Witnesses and crime victims would have more confidentiality under legislation passed by the House on Tuesday.
Legislation intended to make it easier for low-income people to file their taxes cleared its final major hurdle, passing the House with bipartisan support.
Jews and Muslims in Michigan have lost loved ones and are hurting because of the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, Rep. Samantha Steckloff said Tuesday, adding anything state government does in response should acknowledge that amid a push from House Republicans to take up a nonbinding resolution on the situation.
The deep divisions among Michigan Democrats about the war between Israel and Hamas, Gaza's governing entity, have prompted the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate to so far block action on resolutions offering symbolic support to Israel in the wake of Hamas's attack that killed at least 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians.