Brandenburg to Campaign for Senate
Leadership Position
State Senator Jack Brandenburg
(R-Harrison Township) has decided to campaign for either Senate Majority Leader
or Senate Floor Leader. He plans to support fellow Republicans in competitive
districts this summer in order to earn the support of his colleagues. Senate
Majority Floor Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) is also contending for the
Senate’s top spot, and Senator Brandenburg stated that he and Senator Meekhof
wished each other luck in the race.
Richardville Calls for $60M Film
Incentive
Senate Majority Leader Randy
Richardville (R-Monroe) is seeking enough money to incentivize film production
in the state and to train under-employed adults in the state to gain experience
in the film business. How much money will be allocated is to be discussed among
Senate leadership.
House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee
M-1
Rail
The committee approved legislation
this week that would allow the Regional Transit Authority to operate the
proposed M-1 rail system in Detroit. HB 5168 and HB 5169 would allow the authority’s board to come
to a 7-0 unanimous decision to take over the system after July 1, 2024. If the
board agrees, the bill also allows the authority to receive all federal grant
funds available for the operation.
Driver
Education
The committee unanimously approved HB 5438, which would require driver education
programs to provide additional time for instruction on being aware of
motorcycles and bicycles. The Department of State was neutral on the bill, but
raised concerns that additional time spent in one area would take away from
other areas unless the Legislature also wanted to extend the course itself.
Governor’s
Residence
The committee began discussion on SB 803, which would create a committee to oversee
maintenance on the governor’s Lansing residence. Funds currently come out of
the budget of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget on an ad hoc
basis. The bill would also provide $200,000 for current projects.