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April 22, 2026 ~ Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan explains why legislative progress has stalled in Lansing, unpacking the political gridlock and what it means for Michigan taxpayers and voters.
LANSING ~ With the Michigan State Legislature practically divided evenly along party lines, bills are moving to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk at a snail’s pace.
In the first three months of 2026, the Michigan Legislature has passed only seven bills, though the slow pace of bills managed to outpace the first six months of 2025, which saw only six bills passed. An article published by Bridge Michigan states that the Legislature is set for a summer break soon, with fall elections to follow, potentially straining legislative action further.
“This is an election season, so lawmakers have a bit of an incentive to try and get out of Lansing as soon as they can to hit the campaign trail and try to get reelected,” Bridge Michigan reporter Jordyn Hermani told WJR. “We’re seeing a return to last year. We’re seeing these lawmakers who are locked into fierce, partisan, personal battles. What this means for Michiganders – what this means for us back at home and the policies that we will see enacted – it really does leave a lot of things up in the air.”
According to the article, the Michigan Legislature may be limited to actions on the state budget, leaving property tax relief, a medical debt relief plan, and funding for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in limbo.
Currently, the Democrats control the State Senate by one member in a 19-18 split. The State House is under a similarly narrow divide, favoring the GOP with a 52-58 split.
