Senator Jeff Irwin
We are here to help you!
Whether you have a question about legislation, need assistance navigating government, or simply want to share your thoughts, we are here for you.
Newsroom
Learn what we’re doing for your community.
MI Legislature Passes Irwin Bill to Fund Affordable Housing
Senate Bill 966 sent to governor’s desk as part of affordable housing package LANSING, Mich. (July 6, 2026) — Last week, the Michigan Legislature passed legislation setting up a state-level tax credit program to synergize with the federal Low Income Housing Tax...
Senate Democrats Champion Affordable Housing for Michigan Families, Pass Michigan Housing Opportunity Credit
Senate Bills 966-968 would unlock financing for affordable housingLANSING, Mich. (June 18, 2026) — Today, Senate Democrats passed a robust bill package within their A Michigan You Can Afford agenda, working to make life more affordable for Michigan residents. Senate...
Senate Committee Advances Irwin Bills to Cut Auto Insurance Rates, Protect Michigan Consumers
Bills led by Sen. Jeff Irwin would safeguard Michigan drivers from predatory insurances rates and practices LANSING, Mich. (June 17, 2026) — Today, the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection advanced Senate...
Stay Connected on Facebook
Subscribe to my e-newsletter!
Sign up to be the first to know what I'm doing to build a thriving community to fight for you.
Bad news for Michigan.
Governor Whitmer and Michigan House Republicans delivered a massive blow to teachers, public safety officers, corrections officers, and all public employees.
In addition, they made sure Michigan continues to have the worst protections in the country for consumer debt, giving a big win to debt collectors and debt buyers.
This move enables and encourages future unconstitutional games by the Legislature and hurts regular people who are being squeezed by a tough economy. ... See MoreSee Less
17 CommentsComment on Facebook
Finally.
The courts finally ruled on a time-sensitive case to determine if the Michigan House Republicans had to follow the Constitution Article 4, Section 33.
Michigan House Republicans violated the state Constitution to withhold bills that passed both chambers in what amounted to a "veto" from the House Clerk. Now, the Supreme Court is backing up what the Court of Claims and the Court of Appeals ruled.
Here is what's at stake if Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs the bills (or not):
1) Michigan has, currently, the worst protections for people with credit card or other consumer debt. Bills passed to bring Michigan into alignment with national averages and to protect public benefits like the EITC from garnishment by debt buyers and debt collectors (or not if vetoed).
2) Correctional officers will be allowed back into the pension, enacting the most significant policy we can to reduce mandatory overtime and improve safety (or not if there is a veto).
3) Teachers, public safety, or other public employees will be able to bargain for lower health insurance costs (or not if there is a veto).
4) the Charles Wright museum will be allowed to seek support from the voters (or not if there is a veto).
Here is the Detroit News' version: ... See MoreSee Less
Michigan House must present 9 stalled bills to gov under high court order
www.detroitnews.com
The Michigan House must present nine bills passed in 2024 to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature under a Michigan Supreme Court order.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Michigan budget update, continued:
Universities and Community Colleges
The 2027 budget for universities and community colleges brings a small increase in funding to anchor institutions in Washtenaw like Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and the University of Michigan. For WCC, the budget provides a 1.4% increase.
The bottom line for EMU and U of M is a 1% increase to base operations (the budget reflects a "one-time 4% increase," but, after last year's 3% one-time increase is backed out, the net result is a 1% increase).
While the base funding changes for these institutions lag behind inflation, there are some bright spots. For instance, this budget continues funding for critical programs that support the people attending higher education.
This budget:
✅️ Continues the Community College Guarantee, covering all tuition for qualifying students
✅️ Funds Michigan Achievement Scholarship, providing up to $5,500 per year for students attending a university
✅️ Protects Michigan Reconnect, covering costs for people looking to go back to finish a degree or certification
QR code for higher education resources: www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/michigan-achievement-scholarship ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook