Tag: ballot initiative

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – November 10, 2023

  1. Michigan House of Representatives Soon to be Divided Equally Between Democrats and Republicans

As a result of two Michigan House representatives winning mayoral races in this week’s elections, the House will soon be divided equally, 54-54, between Democrats and Republicans.

Why it Matters: A year after taking full control of the Michigan legislature for the first time in decades, Democrats will now have a harder time moving their agenda forward. Any legislation in the House will now, assuming Democrat unity, require support from at least one Republican House member. Expect greater legislative gridlock moving forward given that legislation must pass both the Senate and the House in order to be sent to Governor Whitmer for ratification.

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  1. Ohio Passes Ballot Measure; Legalizes Recreational Marijuana

Following Tuesday’s results, Ohio has become the 24th state in the nation to legalize recreational marijuana.

Why it Matters: The measure will take effect in 30 days, meaning Ohio residents over the age of 21 will be able to use, grow, or sell marijuana under the supervision of the state’s regulatory body. Additionally, individuals are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and will be allowed to cultivate up to six marijuana plans at home. Learn more.

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  1. Fraser Trebilcock Named a Tier 1 Law Firm in Lansing in Six Practice Areas for 2024

Fraser Trebilcock has received a First Tier ranking in Lansing in six practice areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2024.

Why it Matters: In addition to the First Tier ranking in six legal practice areas, Fraser Trebilcock has been named a Tier Two firm in Lansing for four practice areas and has also been named a Tier Three firm in Lansing for three practice areas. Learn more.

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  1. Michigan Senate Passes Package of Clean Energy Bills

Three bills recently passed by the Michigan Senate would require companies to make 100% of their energy through renewables such as solar and wind by 2040, and also seeks to reduce energy waste, among other objectives. The bills have now moved to the Michigan House.

Why it Matters: Clean energy legislation is a major priority for Michigan Democrats but is opposed by Republicans and has received pushback from many business groups, who argue the legislation would increase energy costs.

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  1. November Member Mixer in the Boji Tower

Join us for the November Member Mixer on Tuesday, November 14, at the historic Boji Tower, Lansing’s tallest and most historic building.

Why it Matters: Averaging 100+ attendees, Member Mixers occur on the second Tuesday of every month and provide an opportunity to gather and network, meet other members and business professionals and get a glimpse of a local business. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Election Law | Thaddeus Morgan
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunication | Sean Gallagher

Five Stories that Matter in Michigan This Week – September 23, 2022

  1. CRA’s Fines Eight Cannabis Businesses Over Late Financial Reports

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency recently published their monthly disciplinary reports and eight cannabis businesses across the state have been fined for failing to submit annual financial reports by the required deadline.

Why it Matters: What comes with the territory of operating a business in a highly regulated arena, business owners both medical and recreational will need to be aware of deadlines for required financial reporting of their cannabis business operations.

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  1. Majority of Legislators Could Run Again If Prop 1 Passes

A new analysis from the Citizens Research Council says that a majority of legislators, 89% of the 737 Michigan legislators, could run again for a seat if the Prop 1 (term limits and financial disclosures) ballot proposal passes.

Why it Matters: If this ballot proposal passes, the majority of past legislators have the option of running again for a legislative seat. Fraser Trebilcock election law attorneys will continue to follow and update news surrounding this ballot proposal.

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  1. Importance of Signing an Operating Agreement for Your LLC

It happens more often than individuals think and something small businesses should heed is the need to adopt an operating agreement at the start of your LLC. It may seem like an unnecessary step when you’re starting out but waiting until the time is right or until you get big enough, can often lead to forgetting about it completely.

Why it Matters: Failure to sign an operating agreement for your LLC may lead to issues for your small business that would otherwise be avoided. Learn more from a Fraser Trebilcock attorney on this topic.

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  1. Whitmer Names New Head of Cannabis Regulatory Agency

Brian Hanna, formerly an analyst in the Lansing Computer Crimes unit at the Michigan State Police, and deputy for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, was tapped by Governor Whitmer to lead Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (“CRA”). Immediately prior to his interim appointment, which took effect September 19, Hanna was the CRA’s manager of field operations, inspections and investigations.

Why it Matters:  Hanna replaces former CRA executive director Andrew Brisbo, who will now lead the state’s Bureau of Construction Codes. In a statement, Hanna said “I look forward to reconnecting with stakeholders to ensure we have a clear and concise regulatory framework for oversight of this industry to promote continued growth in Michigan.”

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  1. Will Electric Vehicle Incentives Under Inflation Reduction Act Actually Hurt Sales?

The Inflation Reduction Act includes billions in incentives for electric vehicle adoption, including $7,500 tax credits for EV purchases. However, many automotive manufacturers are not happy with the rules the bill imposes for vehicles to qualify for the credits.

Why it Matters: The opposition argue that the manufacturing, sourcing, and pricing rules, which require significant domestic sourcing of raw materials and manufacturing, are too aggressive and could result in most EV’s not qualifying for the federal incentives – therefore stifling sales for many manufacturers.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Energy, Utilities & Telecommunication | Michael Ashton

Business & Tax | Robert Burgee

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher

Election Law | Garett Koger