The Michigan House approved legislation Tuesday night aimed at cutting property taxes as part of a broader Republican-backed effort to reduce the state budget.
House Speaker Matt Hall said the proposal would provide significant savings for residents across the state.
“Average Michigander will save over, I believe, $900 a year,” Hall said during a news conference following the vote. He also said the plan would force utility companies to reduce rates by roughly $1 billion, with the savings returned to customers.
The vote came amid mounting political tensions in Lansing, where Democratic Representative Penelope Tsernoglou was stripped of her committee assignments.
Tsernoglou claimed the move was retaliation after she called on House leadership to investigate alleged ties between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and an art school in northern Michigan.
However, Hall said the decision stemmed from an exchange during a recent subcommittee hearing involving Republican Representative Jason Woolford. During the contentious meeting, Tsernoglou criticized Woolford’s conduct after he interrupted questioning.
Funding Approved for Selfridge Air National Guard Base
In another major development, the Michigan Senate unanimously approved more than $150 million in state funding for infrastructure improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The 34-0 vote clears the way for Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign the legislation. The money will be used to upgrade runways and other facilities at the Macomb County base ahead of the planned replacement of A-10 aircraft with F-15 fighter jets.
Whitmer praised the bipartisan agreement, saying lawmakers had finally “landed the plane” after months of political negotiations.
Construction is expected to begin by early June, a timeline officials say is critical to maintaining the military transition schedule.
Congressman Barrett Pushes Veterans Services Reform
Meanwhile, Michigan Congressman Tom Barrett testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee in support of legislation aimed at improving services for veterans.
Barrett criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting system, arguing that bureaucratic delays and poor oversight increase costs and slow critical projects.
“The VA has a really poorly structured acquisition and contracting process,” Barrett said. “It fails to provide real accountability for underperforming contractors.”
Lansing Man Sentenced in Child Exploitation Case
Federal prosecutors announced that 47-year-old Michael Bledsoe of Lansing has been sentenced to 27 years in prison in connection with a child exploitation conspiracy case.
Authorities said Bledsoe met a second suspect online through a chat group allegedly created to sexually exploit children. The second suspect, 50-year-old Joseph Brandon of Tennessee, received a 55-year prison sentence followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Serious Crash Under Investigation in Eaton County
Authorities in Eaton County and Lansing Township continue to investigate a serious crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon near Waverly and Lansing roads.
Officials have not yet released details regarding injuries or the number of vehicles involved.
Hell, Michigan Hits the Market
And in a lighter note, the popular tourist destination of Hell is officially for sale.
The Livingston County attraction, known for its novelty branding and tourism appeal, is listed for $625,000. The sale includes seven acres of land, two buildings, and a mini golf course.
