“Twas the week before Christmas, when all through Lansing,
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The Silver Bells were hung by the Capitol with care,
in hopes that a new term will soon be there.”
Following one of the lamest lame ducks out of the state legislature in recent memory, things have been much quieter in Michigan’s capital city than was expected this holiday season. Even so, MLive’s political team has remained steadfast in pursuing coverage of all things state government.
Throughout the week, MLive reporter Ben Orner has continued tracking Michigan’s massive recount of Proposals 2 and 3— the constitutional amendments that expand voting rights and protect reproductive rights, respectively— that spanned 43 counties, 63 precincts and involve hundreds of thousands midterm election votes.
The investigation that concluded Friday, Dec. 16 has changed very little about the midterm results, although the group which requested the recount, Election Integrity Force, said it’s already proved successful.
Election Integrity Force lawyer Stefanie Lambert alleged the “consistent problems throughout the state” found by the recount include chain of custody issues, folded ballots during in-person voting, broken seals and spoiled ballots accidentally counted.
Election officials around the state have expressed mixed feelings about the recount, with many saying its results uphold the accuracy of Michigan elections but some knocking perceived bad-faith motives.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and two members of the Board of State Canvassers – Republican Tony Daunt and Democrat Mary Ellen Gurewitz – have called for tightening the law that allowed this recount to investigate election processes while being mathematically unable to overturn the results.
Lambert didn’t say how Election Integrity Force will use its findings going forward, but the group is active in lawsuits and releases reports analyzing voting data and criticizing election processes.
Still, a bright side of the recount for some clerks was showing people the process and its accuracy in hopes they can build trust.
EITC boost, retirement tax repeal: Whitmer eyes priorities for first few months of 2023
Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke to reporters— including MLive’s very own Jordyn Hermani— at a roundtable Wednesday, Dec. 14 about her 2023 goals.
Whitmer said she was already crafting an agenda for the first six months of her second term alongside incoming Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, and House Speaker-elect Joe Tate, D-Detroit.
Priorities high on Whitmer’s list include expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and repealing taxes on retirees’ pensions, issues that failed to cross the finish line before lawmakers adjourned for the year.
“We are going to have an agenda that, I think, we’re all absolutely dedicated to,” Whitmer said.
Other priorities Whitmer floated Wednesday, though she didn’t give the same six-month target for, included amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to codify equal protections for the LGBTQ community into law, having a “much more productive conversation” on the potential to send Freedom of Information Act requests to the legislature and looking into reforming Michigan’s lobbying laws.
In other Whitmer news, the governor also directed state departments and agencies Wednesday to begin reviewing aspects of reproductive rights, in order to keep entities in line with Michigan law following the passage of Proposal 3 in November. That proposal, which affirmed a right to abortion within Michigan’s constitution, will go into effect Saturday, Dec. 24.
Defendants sentenced to prison in Whitmer kidnap plot case
Paul Bellar, left, Pete Musico and Jospeh Morrison appear for sentencing in front of Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wilson on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022.J. Scott Park | jpark4@mlive.com
Out of our Jackson city hub, reporter Mitchell Kukulka covered a lengthy sentencing hearing for Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico, and Paul Bellar who were convicted on charges stemming from a plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson handed down the following sentences for the trio:
- Musico, 44, of Munith, was sentenced to 12-42 years in prison.
- Morrison, 28, of Munith, was sentenced to 10-42 years in prison.
- Bellar, 24, of Milford, was sentenced to 7-20 years in prison.
The three former members of Michigan militia group, Wolverine Watchman, were found guilty in October on charges of providing material support for terrorist acts and attempting to commit felonies as an associate or member of gang, as well as an additional charge of felony firearms, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years.
Related: ‘I made mistakes.’ Defendants in Whitmer kidnap plot apologize, express regret at sentencing
A short video of Whitmer was played as a victim impact statement in which she denounced political extremism and talked about how her own emotional wellbeing has been permanently shaken in the aftermath of the kidnapping plot.
Redistricting Commission sues Michigan legislature for $3.1M over legal funds, budget
Members of Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission have filed suit against the state legislature after lawmakers failed to reappropriate legal defense funds prior to their anticipated adjournment for the year.
A Court of Claims case filed Monday, Dec. 12 seeks for the ICRC to not only receive that funding but be appropriated their needed funding for the pending fiscal year as constitutionally required— an overall total of $3.17 million.
ICRC relies on the legislature to “appropriate funds sufficient to compensate the commissioners and to enable the commission to carry out its functions, operations and activities,” as detailed in the Michigan Constitution. The body itself was created by way of a 2018 constitutional amendment.
In addition to the lawsuit, the ICRC members voted Thursday, Dec. 15 on plans to send the Secretary of State what’s being called the MICRC Dormancy and Reaction Plan, which is intended to provide an alternative for the body to move to – and transition from – dormancy status when needed.
Related: Michigan’s redistricting commission sends dormancy plan to state; could go dark once lawsuits end
The body must stay intact in some way until the next commission is selected in 2030, however they are not required to routinely meet and garner a paycheck should no work be available for members. Despite maps having long since been redrawn and approved, there is still active litigation against the commission.
Should the plan be approved by the Secretary of State, with review and consultation from the Department of Attorney General, commissioners are likely to vote on its final approval sometime early next year.
More political news from MLive:
Congressman Fred Upton receives honorary doctorate degree from Western Michigan University
Tudor Dixon says she will not run for Michigan Republican chair
Affordable, energy efficient housing top of mind for Michigan Democrats in 2023
More input sought on potential military airspace expansion in northern Michigan, Thumb
Disabled Michiganders awaiting an organ could receive lifesaving protections under bill
