4/29/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan State Employees Association is calling on lawmakers to reject a Michigan House budget proposal that would cut more than $40 million in general fund support and eliminate more than 200 full-time jobs within the DNR.  Democratics say this plan would hurt Michiganders statewide.  But Republicans say this proposal is cutting positions that have been vacant for years.  The proposal is now heading to the House Appropriations Committee and will need to pass in the Michigan State House and Senate, before being approved by Gov. Whitmer.

4/29/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Upper Peninsula lawmakers announced yesterday legislation to establish a state veterans cemetery in the U.P.  Republican State Reps. Dave Prestin, Greg Markkanen, and Karl Bohnak introduced two state house bills, which provide funding to identify, construct, and operate the proposed cemetery.  The plan includes $5.7 million in state funding to support the construction and operation of the proposed cemetery, along with a study to determine the best location within the Upper Peninsula.  The plan has been sent to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

4/29/2026

N. WISCONSIN - A three-judge panel dismissed a case challenging Wisconsin’s current congressional map yesterday. The ruling is a blow for Democrats hoping for new maps and near total confirmation that the state will not have new congressional maps before the 2026 midterms.  Within hours of the ruling, Law Forward filed an appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  Republicans currently hold six out of the state’s eight congressional seats. Law Forward argues in a battleground state, that’s happening because of anti-competitive gerrymandering.  The three-judge panel dismissed the case, saying they don’t have the legal authority to rule on this.  The Wisconsin Supreme Court will decide whether the case should go back to the lower court. Law Forward said they aim to have new maps in place for the 2028 congressional elections.