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and last updated 2021-02-18 17:39:47-05
LANSING (WXYZ) â As trust in elected leaders nears an all-time low, some lawmakers in Michigan are fighting measures that would lift our state from the bottom of rankings for ethics and transparency.
Today, 48 states require their elected leaders to provide some form of financial disclosure, where lawmakers reveal sources of outside income, significant investments and property ownership.
The disclosures are intended to reveal conflicts-of-interest among lawmakers and discourage members from voting for or introducing legislation that could benefit them.
âThereâs a reason that 48 states have this,â said Sen. Jim Runestad, a Republican from White Lake. âThereâs a reason, and itâs that thereâs too much dirty dealing that can be done.â
Who’s new in the Michigan House of Representatives
Updated Jan 05, 2021;
Posted Jan 05, 2021
The House Chamber pictured at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, April 25, 2019.Neil Blake
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The new legislative session brings with it substantial turnover for the Michigan House of Representatives, which will have 28 new lawmakers serving their first full terms in office.
Most of the freshman class will fill House seats vacated by members who hit their six-year term limit serving in the state House, although some defeated incumbents or are replacing members who sought other offices last fall.
Speaker-elect Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, and Democratic Leader-elect Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Township, will fill the leadership slots left open by the departures of former Reps. Lee Chatfield and Christine Greig.
Michigan governor signs legislation allowing college athletes to be paid for endorsements
Updated Dec 30, 2020;
Posted Dec 30, 2020
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (2) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Michigan State linebacker Chase Kline (21) in the third quarter of their Big Ten football game game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
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College athletes are one step closer to being paid for endorsements after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation allowing them to be compensated.
The legislation, which takes effect Dec. 31, 2022, would be the first time in state history student-athletes are allowed to make money from playing sports in college. Whitmer said the legislation will change the lives of student-athletes who have committed countless hours to their sport while attending school.
KDPS at the North Mall in Downtown Kalamazoo (Photo by Jeana Gondek)
KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a series of bills into law, including one that would allow Kalamazoo to have a downtown event center.
House Bill 4816, authored by Rep. Brandt Iden, creates the “Regional Event Center Financing Act.” That bill would allow “certain counties that meet listed population parameters to establish an event center financing program,” according to a release from Governor Whitmer’s office.
âThis legislation simply gives Kalamazoo County and others of similar size the same tools to help develop convention centers that larger Michigan counties already use,â Iden said in a statement regarding the bill. âThese developments boost tourism and keep downtowns vibrant. They create jobs, attract visitors and provide new opportunities in communities across Michigan.â