As the legislative summer break comes to an end, the MASB Government Relations Committee and Government Relations Staff are gearing up for the fall. The Senate and House will return to session right after Labor Day.
The first half of the year saw an incredibly busy legislative session. The House and Senate passed a large number of bills, many of which affect education in Michigan. We have compiled a list of bills that have been signed into law so far this year that will affect your districts.
We have also worked on other issues that are still pending for this session. You can find a complete list on our website, which includes things like repealing the ban on starting school before Labor Day and the requirements to be a substitute teacher. We are also expecting conversations around teacher and administrator evaluations and loosening restrictions around returning to work after retirement.
Also, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced earlier this month that she will deliver an address outlining her legislative priorities for the fall at 11:00 am on August 30, 2023. The address will be available for viewing on the Governor’s Facebook page or YouTube Channel.
Join us to hear more about what’s happening at our next Behind the Scenes at the Capitol event on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in the North State Room of Heritage Hall in the State Capitol Building from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is a great opportunity to come to Lansing and hear from legislators and issue experts on topics currently before the Legislature.
Our agenda will include a panel of legislators for discussion, an update on the recent changes regarding prohibited subjects of bargaining, and a discussion on the new free meals for all students program that was included in the budget this year.
We hope you will join us and take advantage of the opportunity to speak face-to-face about issues affecting your districts with fellow board members from around the state as well as your legislators and their staff.