Governor Granholm and the Michigan Legislature worked in relative unison this budget year, completing the fiscal year 2011 budget prior to the Sept. 30 deadline. A major reason for the balanced budget was the federal funds sent to Michigan to assist with restoring funding for education and health programs.
Other achievements included:
- A five-bill package was signed into law that reformed the state's K-12 education system. Unfortunately, Michigan failed to qualify in the federal government's Race to the Top education reform funding program.
- The Legislature passed a K-12 School Aid budget which included an $11 per pupil increase, retroactive for the 2009-10 school year and prospective for the 2010-11 school year.
- In July, sending, typing, or reading text messages or e-mails while driving in Michigan was banned.
- Legislation was enacted that allowed Sunday morning liquor sales, beverage sampling and a host of other changes to spirits, craft beer and wine marketing and distribution in Michigan.
In addition to the legislative activity, the Michigan Supreme Court overturned a 2004 landmark, and highly controversial, case that limited non-economic damages paid out from injuries suffered from an automobile accident.
The 95th Legislature quietly adjourned on Wednesday, and subsequently all legislation that was introduced, but not signed into law, in either 2009 or 2010 officially died. Members of the 96th Legislature will be sworn into office on Jan. 12, 2011.