The new year is here, and issues new and old await legislative action in 2016.
- The energy overhaul. Michigan’s energy laws are poised for an overhaul, but the legislature is still hammering out the details of what that might look like. Issues in contention include energy provider competition, renewable energy, energy efficiency, solar energy changes and competitive bidding of power plants. House legislation has moved out of committee and awaits floor action, while a Senate package is still in the Senate Energy and Technology Committee. With heavy utility pressure for a final measure and Gov. Rick Snyder asking for changes in the first half of the year, 2016 is likely the forum for energy changes.
- Marijuana. Multiple ballot proposals to legalize marijuana are vying for a spot on the 2016 ballot. Meanwhile, the legislature is considering changes to the medical marijuana industry that would regulate plants from seed to sale and allow non-smokable forms of the plant — changes that could also happen in 2016.
- The budget. The state has to turn in a balanced budget, and lawmakers have delivered it several months early during Gov. Rick Snyder’s tenure. This year’s budget could still be impacted by big tax liabilities that changed the math last year. In addition there are several ongoing conversations with budget implications, including those over the Health Insurance Claims Assessment and Detroit Public Schools restructuring, that could get inserted into the annual debate.
If you want to see the rest of them – check out the Source: Marijuana, LGBT protections and prevailing wage? 16 Michigan political issues to watch in 2016 | MLive.com
