Colin Jackson

The bill cut the extra 32 hours of unpaid sick leave for small businesses but kept the 72 hours of paid leave for larger businesses. It also gives small businesses until October to comply with the sick leave law.

Under the bills, lawmakers, statewide elected officials, and department heads would have to wait at least two years after their term to become a lobbyist.

A bill to change Michigan’s minimum wage law ahead of it taking effect passed the state Legislature Wednesday. The law is scheduled to take effect Friday.

Revenue in Michigan fell a little last month compared to a year ago. That’s according to recent reports from the state House and Senate Fiscal Agencies.One of the main areas where revenue fell was business tax collections. The Senate Fiscal Agency blames some of that on refunds outpacing collections in some areas.

Inmates in Michigan’s only prison for women are suing the state Department of Corrections for alleged forced labor and gender discrimination.The lawsuit claims the plaintiffs at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility were forced to work as unpaid porters, cleaning common areas like showers and hallways, despite having chronic medical conditions. It’s asking the Michigan Court of Claims to certify its class action status.

Some Democratic Michigan lawmakers are raising concerns over reported plans to significantly scale back the U.S. Department of Education.President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies in Congress have called for the total elimination of the department. They argue the department has become too sprawling, saying state and local governments should have a bigger role in education.

Many Michigan workers would make at least $15 an hour within the next two years under a plan passed Thursday in the state Senate.Under the bill, the minimum wage for tipped workers would eventually rise to half of what others are making. Tips are supposed to make up the difference.That’s still different, however, than a court-restored minimum wage law set to take effect next Friday.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said they hope a deal can be reached without waiting until July. “We have zero interest in an extension,” said a House Republican source. “A deal is on the table now.”

The Michigan House voted Tuesday to keep local governments from receiving state funding earmarks if they don’t fully comply with immigration enforcement.

Michigan is suing the National Institutes of Health over changes to NIH’s grant policy.The new guidance, which took effect Monday, limits the reimbursement rate for indirect costs related to grant-funded research at 15%. The indirect costs cover spending on areas like facilities and administration, including some personnel.