Font size:
By Jack McHugh
Senate Bill 71, Extend, expand job training subsidies to some employers: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate
To eliminate the $50 million debt cap in a 2008 law that authorized state job training subsidies for particular employers, provided through community colleges. Other bills in the package would make this program permanent, and prohibit companies granted subsidies under a different program (see next bill) from “double dipping” by taking subsidies from both programs.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 4110, Revise school aid budget: Passed 23 to 14 in the Senate
To shift funding sources in the current year school budget to compensate for lower than expected balances in the state general fund. This is due to higher than expected payouts to corporations granted selective “tax credit” deals (often cash subsidies) by the previous administration. The unexpected draw-down of some state accounts comes despite revenue collections actually rising faster than spending this year. The bill also reduces spending to reflect lower than expected school enrollment, and suspends payments intended to “catch up” on underfunding of the school pension system.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
Senate Bill 34, Revise concealed pistol license procedures: Passed 76 to 34 in the House
To eliminate county concealed pistol licensing boards, and transfer their duties to the State Police and county clerks. Personal protection order provisions that triggered a Governor’s veto of a similar bill last year have been removed.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 4160, Revise firearms “brandishing” law: Passed 95 to 15 in the House
To establish that the crime of illegally “brandishing” a firearm requires it be done “willfully.” Also, that using a firearm to defend one’s home or property under a 2006 law repealing a legal “duty to retreat” requirement is not brandishing. House Bill 4161 clarifies the definition of “brandishing” and passed with just two “no” votes.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 4151, Repeal criminal sanctions for minor with BB gun: Passed 80 to 29 in the House
To repeal a law that makes it a misdemeanor for a minor unaccompanied by an adult to possess a BB gun except in his or her own home or yard.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
House Bill 4155, Revise firearms definition: Passed 88 to 21 in the House
To revise the definition of “firearm” in the state penal code so it longer applies to BB, pellet, paint ball or “air-soft” guns. The new definition would be a gun that “expels a projectile by action of an explosive.” However, using a non-firearm to commit a crime would still be subject to criminal penalties.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, non-partisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Please visit https://www.michiganvotes.org.
Get insightful commentary and the most reliable research on Michigan issues sent straight to your inbox.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.
