↘️Despite #WhitmerWeedTax, Speaker Hall And House Republicans Score Huge Wins In Budget Fight

 

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

As the clock struck midnight, Michigan didn't have a new budget passed, as required by the Constitution.

No budget? No problem! At least according to Governor Whitmer. By 3 am, before any services could be impacted, a temporary 1 week budget was passed by the legislature as the final details for this year get ironed out.

One of the biggest issues remaining: an immensely controversial wholesale marijuana tax increase.

And please, make no mistake: it's the #WhitmerWeedTax.  

Whitmer proposed it. Whitmer's insisting on it. Whitmer won in 2022. Whitmer controls the Democrat State Senate.

Speaker Hall's budget had no such weed tax. 

Speaker Of The House Matt Hall

If Republicans ran the Governor's office and State Senate, it wouldn't be happening.

But we don't---so it is.

The original tax proposal was 31%, and that is now down to 24%. 

Sources say it could go down to 10-20%, but that there will definitely be some sort of weed tax raise at the end of the day.

Michigan's marijuana industry has already been on shaky ground. Now, industry leaders say  Michigan will see significantly less out of state buyers, and up to 50,000 jobs could be on the line if the #WhitmerWeedTax goes into effect.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Capitol yesterday, demanding the Democrat Senate reject the increase.

Aside from the horrendous #WhitmerWeedTax, this is a FANTASTIC budget compared to recent years ️ 

Speaker Matt Hall, Appropriations Chair Ann Iatrow Bollin, Appropriations Vice Chair Matt Maddock, and the Michigan House Republicans are delivering a budget that: 

Eliminates billions in waste, fraud, and abuse 

Doesn't pay for fake, "ghost employees" 

Ends taxes on tips, and overtime 

 Requires transparency on all special projects

  Cuts government spending

Stay tuned for more details...

____________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Mike Duggan's Calculated Silence About What Happened To Charlie Is Sickening And Totally Unacceptable

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's calculated silence on the assassination of Charlie Kirk is sickening, and totally unacceptable.

Duggan, running for Governor as an Independent, was the only candidate in the race who didn't issue a response to his public execution last month in Utah.

I certainly understand not wanting to rush right into a tragedy, instead waiting for the facts to come in, being respectful of the situation---so I waited patiently for Duggan's statement. Spoiler alert: the statement never came! 

I guarantee you a statement was drafted, just not released. Why?

Politically speaking, it was quite shocking to see Duggan miss a key moment to make inroads with Republicans, the group of voters he struggles with the most according to poll numbers.

If Duggan thinks he can win on just "moderates," he better wake the hell up quickly: the only way Duggan can get to that magic ~40% number is if he picks off some Trump Republican voters, especially in rural areas---his operation in the cities and suburbs alone might get him close, but won't be enough to deliver Duggan the win.

I have followed Mike Duggan for nearly 15 years, since I first heard he was going to be running for Mayor.

His historic write in campaign after getting thrown off the ballot was immensely impressive.

Though Detroit still has a long ways to go, especially outside of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, anyone who has spent some time there the last decade has seen firsthand how successful many of Duggan's efforts have been. Rick Snyder laid the foundation with the bankruptcy, and Duggan has built greatly on that. (I still won't be going to a Detroit gas station anytime soon, though.)

To be totally honest, I really like the idea of a TRUE Independent Governor coming to Lansing, and giving a giant middle finger to both parties after decades of their BS. 

And the political nerd in me loves ruminating on just how historic an Independent campaign with a candidate who has Duggan's political acumen, name ID, and financial backing could turn out---we've never seen anything like it in Michigan history.  

But is Mr. Duggan truly Independent?

He says he left the Democrat Party because they became too extreme, I can believe that.

After all, Donald Trump was a Manhattan Democrat. Ronald Reagan was a Hollywood Democrat. 

Some of our best leaders in the Republican Party right now---Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Director Of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for instance---are former Democrats.

 I was at least willing to give him a chance to be heard.

However, the only logical conclusion is that Duggan and his team purposefully calculated that a statement about Charlie might cost him support with some of the same members of the radical left that are allegedly why he left the party in the first place:  What other reason could there possibly be? Sorry, Mike: that dog don't hunt.

Like Fleetwood Mac said, "if you don't love me now, you wilI never love me again." If Duggan doesn't value Conservatives enough to bother even pretending to care right now as he's trying to earn votes, why the hell would he start magically caring about us in January 2027?

I was very "Duggan Curious." And I still have a lot of respect for Duggan's leadership skills, and political IQ.

If "Jumpin' John James" or Kevin Rinke hijacks the Republican nomination, I'll take another look, but right now, I'm swiping left on Mike Duggan.

_____________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Burzurk Brewing In Grand Haven Faces Backlash As Owner Celebrates Charlie Kirk's Assassination And Says His Supporters Aren't Welcome

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Burzurk Brewing Company in Grand Haven is in the spotlight after the owner celebrated the assassination of Conservative icon Charlie Kirk---and told Charlie's supporters they aren't welcome at her business.

Karen Forbes made the sickening comments in a series of posts shortly after his death:

Kirk supporters are gathering at Bolt Park in Grand Haven on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30 PM, and walking to Burzurk at 7 for a short demonstration.

Post a Facebook review here:
https://share.google/QYjuwd33vm7wMDT1f

Leave them a Google review (which can't be erased by them) also:
https://share.google/0kdcmCamM5J4Wuunb

They open at 4, and their number is (616) 414 7775

_____________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨Breaking: Controversial MI-1 Candidate Justin Michal Supports Invasion Of America, Says Life Is Better In Saudi Arabia🚨

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Congressional candidate Justin Michal claims he's running for the US House against Rep. Jack Bergman in the 1st District to "serve others" and "bridge the divide," but his history of controversial and Anti-American social media posts tells a much different story. 

Michal supports the invasion of America, and even says life is better in his former home of Saudi Arabia.

He has strong opinions about gay sexual activities, brags about cheating on his girlfriend with an ex, and admits he is a "Hypocrite" as well as a "liar and a cheat." He's also not a big fan of black people.

Michal supported a foreign invasion of America:

He also said he'd rather live in Saudi Arabia or Qatar:

In another set of posts, Michal says that blacks in Africa don't like blacks in America---and he doesn't either. He says his "prayers" were answered when a travel warning from the NAACP telling blacks not to travel to Florida was issued:

In another post, Michal brags about cheating on his girlfriend with an ex:

For whatever reason, unknown if from a personal experience, he also has strong opinions about gay sexual activities.

Michal also posted that he hates hypocrites, including himself---and that he is a liar, and a cheat

This is a developing story...

We will print a response from Mr. Michal if he chooses to address this controversy, and have reached out to him for comment.

_____________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨CEO Of MEDC Is "Potential Target" In Nessel's Investigation Involving $20 Million Grant Connected To Whitmer🚨

Gov. Whitmer with MEDC CEO Quentin Messer

The CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Quentin Messer, is a "potential target" of Attorney General Dana Nessel's blockbuster investigation into a controversial state grant connected to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer known as Global Link, a major recent court filing reveals.

The $20 million grant given to Whitmer's close friend Fay Beydoun has come under severe scrutiny in recent weeks---arguably the biggest scandal Whitmer has faced in the nearly 7 years she has been Governor...

The following originally appeared in MIRS:

"In a Tuesday court filing, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Payok notes that the AG’s office told the MEDC on June 23 that CEO Quentin Messer Jr. was a “potential target” and that executive team member Josh Hundt is a “possible” target.

“Throughout its brief, MEDC repeatedly claims that this search did not involve a ‘target’ of the investigation,” the filing reads. “This is a misunderstanding of this investigation. MEDC as an organization is not a target, nor are any MEDC employees who are not executive decisionmakers.

“… The Attorney General informed MEDC that Messer was a potential target, as well as possibly Josh Hundt, on June 23, 2025,” the filing noted.

The search warrant served on MEDC “expressly mentions seizure” of Messer’s mobile devices, the filing noted.

Messer's attorney, Mark Chutkow, said his client “is cooperating” with the AG's investigation.

“The Attorney General's Office is best situated to comment on its internal deliberative process, not Mr. Messer,” Chutkow said. “His position regarding the investigation is set forth in his recent court filings.”

Messer wants the court to quash a subpoena for his cell phones, arguing communications on the device are protected from disclosure under the attorney-client privilege.

Danielle Emerson, public relations manager for the MEDC, said the AG’s office has “definitively and consistently over the past weeks, including in court filings that MEDC is not a target.”

Emerson said MEDC has cooperated with the Global Link investigation “for well over a year and will continue to do so.” She also noted that the grant was appropriated by the Legislature, who put the amount, recipient and disbursement schedule into the legislative boilerplate.

“MEDC strives to administer these pass-through grants in such a way that we can appropriately balance clear legislative intent with stewardship of tax dollars,” Emerson said. “MEDC demanded the return of the funds in the termination letter on March 18. Those funds have not been returned, despite a promise to do so.”

Messer is on a trade mission with Whitmer in Japan and Singapore.

A hearing has been set for Oct. 8.

The filing indicates that the AG’s office is “investigating possible wrongdoing by officials within the . . . MEDC in the use of state grants for specific projects, seeking to determine whether some of these funds were diverted for personal purchases.”

However, the filing does not say what Messer or Hundt allegedly did.

The AG’s office executed search warrants at the MEDC’s downtown Lansing headquarters, but the reason wasn’t revealed until court filings showed it was related to an investigation of Global Link International and chief executive officer Fay Beydoun’s use of a $20 million state-issued grant.

Whitmer hugs Fay Beydoun

The search warrant became necessary after “it became clear that reporters” were given “far more information and documents” that MEDC provided to the AG, according to the filing.

“This stonewalling - and the pending House subpoena, which would inevitably result in reorganization of the files – led to the search warrant at issue here,” the filing noted.

Payok’s filing notes that investigators removed five boxes of documents from the MEDC – three of which were marked privileged, which the AG’s office has not searched. Those documents, he noted, were sealed and delivered to the taint team.

In response to the search warrant, the MEDC brought the court action, seeking to recover documents and a laptop seized during that search, as well as any documents that fall under the attorney-client privilege.

Oakland County District Court Judge James Grady ruled Attorney General Dana Nessel's office could use a taint team – a group of independent attorneys – to sift through the items seized to determine what, if anything, falls under the heading of attorney-client privilege.

The MEDC appealed that decision.

Prior court filings also indicate that the probe includes Beydoun’s communications with members of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's inner circle."

↘️Legislators Wouldn't Be Paid If State Budget Wasn’t Passed Under House Republican Proposal Defeated By Dems

State Rep. Jamie Thompson

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan law requires the legislature to pass a state budget before July 1st---but there are currently no consequences for lawmakers if they don't.

State Rep. Jamie Thompson of Brownstown wants to change that.

Under Thompson's proposal, a Constitutional amendment called Joint Resolution M, if a budget wasn't in place by the July 1st legal deadline, the paychecks for members of the House and Senate---as well as the Governor---would be suspended.

“Unfortunately, we have seen an irresponsible, reckless budget plan in the Senate that relies on taxpayers to foot the bill for more unsustainable spending increases and doesn’t address people’s most pressing needs like local roads and public safety,” Thompson said. “If pay was on the line for elected officials, there sure as heck would be more urgency. People would be seeing that cutoff date. Deals would be happening, and I have a great deal of confidence that the Legislature would fulfill its responsibility to get a balanced budget done so people could have clarity.”

Despite receiving 70 yes votes, the bill fell short of the 74 required to get the 2/3 needed for a Constitutional amendment---all because the overwhelming majority of House Dems voted against it.

“A number of Democrats voted to maintain their own financial certainty while many families, students, school officials, corrections staff and law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe are left hung out to dry,” Thompson said. “Ultimately, people are done with the games. They want to see responsible governing and plans that use their tax dollars wisely. If legislators can’t get that done by the July 1 date laid out in law, people’s tax dollars shouldn’t be going to legislators.”

“This vote is the smoking gun that proves Democrats in Lansing were not committed to working with us to pass and finalize a budget,” said State Rep. Brian BeGole of Antrim Township. “They have been stoking fears of a potential government shutdown for months and have obstructed and delayed this process several times."

Begole says Democrats have proven they care more about their own paychecks than the people they're supposed to represent.

“This plan took the extraordinary step of cutting off pay for legislators, including my own," Begole said. "If every Republican who voted on this in the House is willing to do that, including myself, it shows a commitment to being accountable to taxpayers and people throughout our state if a budget isn’t done by the July 1 deadline. It’s a shame many Democrats disagreed and voted no. They were more concerned about continuing to receive a paycheck than fulfilling their duty to people they serve, and that’s not right.”

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz of Jackson backed Thompson's amendment.

“Families need certainty. Parents want to know how their children’s schools will be funded. Seniors rely on health programs. Communities count on public safety resources. When the budget isn’t finished on time, it’s everyday people who are left in limbo,” Schmaltz said. “If legislators can’t meet the deadline, we shouldn’t expect to collect a paycheck. Our focus should be on finishing the job for the people who sent us here.”

State Rep. Cam Cavitt of  Cheboygan County says he is is willing to bet that suspending pay would have Senate Dems singing a different tune.

“The deadline to pass a state budget was nearly a month ago now, and I’ll never forget sitting at my desk and looking out the window to see members of the Michigan Senate walking to their cars just after five on the July 1 deadline,” Cavitt said. “House Republicans were in Lansing, ready to get a bipartisan deal done for the people. Passing a state budget is our most important job as legislators. Yet, state senators still threw up their hands and gave up. Instead, those same Senators are still collecting fat government checks while schools and critical services are put increasingly at risk for next year with every passing day. I bet a state budget would get done real quick if someone put a stop payment on those checks.”

Speaker Of The House Matt Hall says it's important Lansing politicians face personal consequences if they won't do their jobs.

“Legislators have to have skin in the game in order to get the budget done," Hall said. "This will force the politicians to have the urgency to do it instead of jerking everyone around for months and months and months and walking away, like the Democrats did."

“Too many politicians in Lansing seem more worried about collecting a paycheck than doing the work they were sent here to do,” State Rep. Dave Martin of Davison said. “Families, schools, seniors, and local communities pay the price when the budget isn’t finished on time. If lawmakers can’t do their jobs, then they shouldn’t get paid. It’s that simple." 

House Republicans Fight Back Against Foreign Takeover Of Michigan Land

 

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

House Republicans are fighting hard to stop foreign nationals and any associated entities from buying up land in Michigan, passing a series of bills to address the issue. 

Protecting farmland and critical infrastructure are top priorities.

Legislators are specifically targeting those who have connections with countries known to be hostile to the United States.

The "foreign countries of concern" at issue are:

• China
• Russia
• Iran
• North Korea
• Cuba
• Venezuela
• Syria

Though Speaker Hall and many other Reps have been involved behind the scenes in crafting the comprehensive 8 bill package, Gina Johnsen, Luke Meerman, and William Bruck have been leading the charge, along with Jamie Thompson and David Martin.

State Rep. Gina Johnsen’s legislation, House Bill 4233, bans those associated with "foreign countries of concern" from purchasing or owning Michigan farmland.

State Rep. Gina Johnsen

Under Johnsen's bill, any foreign entity that currently owns farmland must sell all rights, title, and interest in the land within two years of the legislation being implemented. The plan also requires any foreign-owned land is registered with the Secretary of State. 

“There is something intrinsically American about driving through rural Michigan surrounded by farmland as far as the eye can see,” Johnsen said. “Now, imagine the fear and doubt you’d feel knowing the fields surrounding you were owned by the Chinese or Iranians---countries who want nothing more than to see our country collapse. By purchasing Michigan farmland, these bad actors want to steal away our food security, ending generations of farming traditions, and American self-reliance."

State Rep. Luke Meerman's legislation,  House Bill 4234, prohibits foreign entities of concern from acquiring agricultural land or property within 20 miles of critical infrastructure in Michigan. Meerman’s bill  would apply to the government or political party of, a business located in, or a person whose primary citizenship is in any of the foreign countries of concern.

State Rep. Luke Meerman

“One of China’s most frequently used methods to increase their influence on our country is buying up farmland and placing spies near our military installations,” Meerman said. “Just last year, five Chinese nationals were charged for illegally observing and taking pictures of Camp Grayling, where Taiwanese troops were participating in a training exercise alongside our armed forces. The state of Michigan can and should take measures to prevent this kind of conduct, and my legislation is an effective step towards doing that.”

Meerman notes China is targeting places like Michigan.

“The Chinese Communist Party itself has admitted that their increased effort to spread their influence is occurring mostly at a subnational level, focusing on state and local institutions,” Meerman said. “This state-level threat demands a state-level response."

State Rep. Bill G. Schuette, a former intelligence officer with the Department Of Defense, agrees.

“From my experience as an intelligence officer with the Defense Department, I know firsthand there are adversaries out there who are looking to steal our data and undermine our state and country where they can,” Schuette told MLive. “I would monitor and evaluate how our nation’s enemies and their governments like China, Iran and North Korea attempted to gain influence, subvert sovereignty and gain control in many countries across the globe. Now, as a member of the state Legislature, I find it very unsettling that some of these same tactics are being used here in Michigan.”

State Rep. Bill G. Schuette

Other bills in the package would:

"-Prevent foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information by blocking prohibited apps on government devices.

-Ensure public schools, colleges, and universities do not accept grants conditioned upon an anti-American agenda from foreign countries of concern.

-Prohibit public bodies from entering into constraining agreements with foreign countries of concern.

-Ensure public economic incentives are not awarded to foreign entities of concern.

-Protect the personal health information of Michigan residents by ensuring healthcare record technology is physically maintained in the U.S. or Canada.

-Protect the safety of Michiganders by preventing entities of concern from purchasing land near and surveilling military bases and other critical infrastructure.

The legislation has received strong support.

“Nothing could paint a starker contrast in Lansing than how Democrats and Republicans approach national security. Whether it’s handouts to CCP-linked Gotion or driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, Democrats support an agenda that endangers our communities and emboldens threats beyond our borders," said Zach Rudat of Michigan Forward. 

"Republicans have stepped up with a plan that puts foreign adversaries on notice, protecting our state, our economy, our farmland, our data, our tax dollars, and our future from those who wish us harm. Michigan families deserve to feel safe and secure in their communities. While Democrats enable bad actors across the globe, Republicans are committed to safeguarding Michigan taxpayers from all threats, foreign and domestic," Rudat said.

_____________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

➡️Livingston County Sheriff Michael Murphy Warns Of Brewing Epidemic Over Fake Weight Loss Drugs

(By Michael J. Murphy, Livingston County Sheriff)

Please allow this to serve as notice of a brewing epidemic.

Having served in Law Enforcement for over 37 years, I do not use this term flippantly.

I am referring to counterfeit and compounded GLP-1 drugs sold online, marketed through social media and distributed "wellness clinics" that often have no proper licensing at all.

These drugs were legitimately developed for diabetes and weight loss treatment and when prescribed by a licensed medical professional and dispensed through a legitimate pharmacy, can be powerful tools for better health.

However, every day, ads pop up offering "discount Ozempic" or "affordable weight-loss injections"-no real doctor visit, no real pharmacy, and no guarantee of what's in the syringe. They're selling directly through social media, shipping products from overseas, or compounding substances in facilities that wouldn't pass even the most basic safety inspection.

Unlicensed providers write prescriptions after a quick online quiz. Beauty spas and strip-mall clinics are mixing and injecting powerful drugs without any oversight and counterfeit products are shipped through the mail, mislabeled as the real thing.

I'm not alone in raising the alarm. 

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with attorneys general from 37 other states and territories, have urged the FDA to crack down on this dangerous pipeline of counterfeit and illegally compounded GLP-1 drugs.

I ask that you use your influence and resources to help slow down this brewing epidemic before it's too late.

Michael J Murphy

Livingston County Sheriff

🚨Breaking: House Republican Budget Fixes Roads, Funds Education, And Cuts $5 Billion In Waste+Fraud---Including $560 Million For Ghost Employees That Don't Exist🚨

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

The Michigan House Republicans have passed a $79 billion budget that actually CUTS SPENDING while delivering real results for Michiganders:

 Stops paying $560 million for 4,300 ghost employees that DON’T EVEN EXIST, so department heads use the money like a slush fund

Has NO tax increases

 Cuts $5 billion+ in waste, fraud, and abuse

Ends taxes on your overtime, tips, and social security income

Invests $3.4 billion in roads, with an emphasis on LOCAL roads as a top priority

Eliminates payments for illegal immigrants, including rental assistance

Provides schools with historic funding---AND unprecedented new flexibility---all while protecting girls sports, and ending woke DEI and CRT style programs

>>>Fantastic job by Speaker Matt Hall, Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin, Appropriations Vice Chair Matt Maddock, and the ENTIRE Michigan House Republican caucus team!!!

_____________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com