Legislation

Legislation

Educators deserve to have their voice heard in policy decisions about public education. That’s why MEA works hard to keep members informed about what’s happening in Lansing and Washington, and help raise the voices of school employees on these critical issues.

Legislative News

MEA praises MI Senate’s legal action to rein in rising health care costs for educators and other public employees

The Michigan Education Association commended the Michigan Senate for standing up for educators after the Senate formally requested that a judge order the delivery of already-passed legislation to the governor for her signature. Among the nine bills the House has failed to present to the governor — despite having already passed both the House and Senate — is House Bill…

ICYMI: House GOP passes budget proposing 25% cut to schools

Within minutes of being unveiled last week, House Republicans passed a budget proposal that would cut $5 billion from public education – a loss of almost 25% compared to the current year. According to House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp), the bill is meant to keep essential services going during a potential state government shutdown – but Senate Majority Leader…

Sign petition calling for held bills to be presented by House

On March 12, House Republicans passed a resolution stating they would not present Gov. Whitmer with nine bills being held from December’s “lame duck” session – including HB 6058, which would lower skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs for public employee health insurance. At the same time, under the leadership of Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp), the House GOP caucus appealed a judge’s…

Wear #RedForEd for national Day of Action on Tuesday

On Tuesday, March 4, join educators across Michigan in wearing #RedForEd as part of the national Protect Our Kids Day of Action. Help raise awareness about the importance of federal education funding for our students amid efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. A collaborative effort between NEA, AFT, AROS, Mom’s Rising and the Working Families Party, the goal…

Victory in Senate lawsuit vs. House on hold-up of HB 6058

On Thursday, the state Senate was victorious in their lawsuit against the House to compel the presentation of bills being held back from the governor – including HB 6058, which works to reduce skyrocketing out-of-pocket health insurance costs for educators and other public employees. Court of Appeals Judge Sima Patel ruled in favor of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and the Michigan…

Labor files support of lawsuit after lawmakers update Winter Conference on health care legislation

Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and Bob Callender, president of the Warren Education Association, at the MEA Winter Conference. Xiong sponsored HB 6058 after learning of the impending crisis from MEA staff and leaders, including Callender. By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor In a passionate address before a capacity crowd at the MEA Winter Conference last week, Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) recalled…

Governor releases 2025-26 budget recommendations

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Governor Whitmer’s 2025-26 budget recommendations were presented to the Legislature.  This is the first step in the state budget process for the year, with the Republican-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate beginning work on their plans beginning later this spring. Here are the highlights for the school aid and higher education budgets: K-12 Education 4.1% increase in…

Michigan Senate sues House for withholding bills

The Democratic-led state Senate filed a lawsuit on Monday to compel Republican House Speaker Matt Hall to transmit House Bill 6058 and eight other bills to Gov. Whitmer for a signature as the state constitution requires for all measures passed by both chambers of the Legislature. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) held a press conference to announce the…

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