🚨Breaking: House Dems Betray Whitmer As Caucus Drama Intensifies🚨

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

In an unexpected defeat for Governor Whitmer, the House Democrats betrayed her on one of her top priorities this week, stunningly voting down a bill in the State House that would require limits on cell phones in schools. 

Whitmer highlighted the issue as a top priority in her State Of The State address earlier this year, yet nearly every House Dem voted against it---even despite strong bipartisan support among parents, educators, and voters for this type of legislation. 

The State Senate has already passed a similar bill.

Speaker Matt Hall says he doesn't understand why House Dems stabbed Whitmer in the back.

"If Democrats were smart, they'd follow her---she is a lot more popular than legislative Democrats are," Hall said in a press conference earlier this week. "They won their majorities because of her and now they're abandoning her, I don't understand why."

One might think after the horrendous impact the C-19 school lockdowns had on our kids, that Dems would understand it's important to limit distractions in the classroom?

 Apparently not. Dems would rather play partisan games than do what's best for kids!

The vote is also highlighting some of the issues internally with House Democrats. 

"Chaotic," and "contentious" are some of the words Lansing insiders are using to describe how things are looking within the House Democrat caucus, which is a nice way of saying it's a shit show most days.

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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

🕵️ Is Jocelyn Benson Scared Of Her Court Ordered Mediation With Speaker Hall?

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

A Judge has ordered Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson and Speaker Of The House Matt Hall personally meet to settle the dispute over subpoenas issued by the State House in their attempt to obtain documents showing how Benson runs Michigan's elections.

Benson has refused to comply with the subpoenas and produce all the required documents, saying that " her office needs extra time to review some of the requested materials to ensure that no sensitive election data is released," whatever the hell that REALLY means.

Sources tell West Michigan Politics that Lansing Democrats are extremely nervous that Benson is being totally outplayed by Speaker Hall in these negotiations, and that she will request to be excused from the upcoming mediation with Speaker Hall.

To be excused, Benson must show Court Of Claims Judge Robert Redford, who will preside over the mediation, "good cause" as to why she shouldn't have to appear...

I wonder what excuse she'll come up with to avoid going?

Stay tuned!

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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

↘️Senate Democrats Exemplify Why Legislators Shouldn't Get Paid Until They Pass A Budget

Senate Democrat Leader Winnie Brinks

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

 The July 1st legal deadline for the legislature to pass a budget recently came and went---all without a budget actually being passed as required by state law.

Speaker Hall and House Republicans did EVERYTHING they could to meet their legal obligations, most notably passing a historic education budget that gives schools the resources they need at record levels, all while ending controversial DEI programs, and keeping boys out of girls sports. 

Districts also have a lot more flexibility on how to spend their money instead of much of that being decided for them by Lansing lobbyists. 

The bipartisan House Republican road package that was passed fixes Michigan roads without raising taxes by using existing money, and cutting corporate welfare. 

The House passed a responsible budget that puts taxpayers first while also recognizing that Republicans don't control the Senate or the Governor's office, and as Mick said, "you can't always get what you want."

Unfortunately, over in the Senate, Democrats passed a budget from HELL: it's embarrassingly partisan, extremely radical, and actually illegal because of the unconstitutional $1 billion deficit. 

Senate Dems want to raise taxes on hunters and fisherman, start the process to add a new tax on vehicles for every mile driven, and kick 60,000 vulnerable Michiganders off Medicaid---possibly to blame President Trump. This budget is horrendous!

Sara Anthony, the Democrat in charge of the budget process in the Senate through her role as Appropriations Chair, said she doesn't give a damn about the July 1st legal deadline---she said that she doesn't care about it. 

It's time to make her care!

We need legislation addressing this issue. 

Every week after July 1st  that goes by without a budget being passed, legislators SHALL have 20% of their pay withheld on a climbing basis.

Week 1: 20% withheld

Week 2: 40% withheld

Week 3: 60% withheld

Week 4: 80% withheld

Week 5: 100% withheld 

After 5 weeks, at 12:01 on August 5th, that money is no  longer going to be withheld: it's gone, sent to the General Fund.

Week 6: starting August 5th at 12:01 AM, all  withheldpay is totally forfeited to the General Fund, and no new checks issued until a budget is passed! No work, no pay... And no backpay.

Starting at 12:01 AM on October 1st, the beginning of the new fiscal year, Legislators SHALL be fined $999/day until a budget is passed. The fine must be paid personally, and not out of any committee, PAC, c4, WHATEVER...

Senate Dems would sing a much different tune if they weren't being paid, and their Dem friends over in the House were blowing up their phones pissed AF that they are playing games, and screwing around. 

Funny thing is, even Big Gretch is sick of the Senate Dems and their bullshit. She recently said that the only people who have been serious about putting out a budget plan are her, and Speaker Hall...

Stay tuned!

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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

Looks Like Jocelyn Benson Has A Chris Swanson Problem

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Private polling numbers obtained by West Michigan Politics reveal a major problem brewing for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the Democrat primary for Governor: Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

The problem? Swanson is far more likeable than Benson, and his favorable numbers are starting to prove that...

Swanson's problem?

Benson's name ID---she's far more known among Democrat primary voters---and has the financial backing of much of the Dem establishment, including her close longtime friend, billionaire Stephen Ross, who is said to be ready to drop millions for her if needed...

(Unlike in the past, WMP is not identifying the specific poll numbers in this case to help protect the source who sent them.)

However, if Swanson gets a major donor with a PAC behind him, or can capitalize on a grassroots army donating, the entire Dem primary could be turned upside down!

Swanson's friend Jelly Roll could prove to be a major player in the primary if he decides to help the Sheriff...Concerts. Fundraising. Media Tour.  

If I were Swanson, I'd invest in a full opposition research file, as well as a"24/7" tracking operation against Benson---and keep Jelly Roll on speed dial!!!

Stay tuned...

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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

WATCH OUT: Cheboygan County Sheriff Todd Ross Warns Of Fake Weight Loss Drugs Flooding The Market

Cheboygan CountySheriff Todd Ross 

By Cheboygan County Sheriff Todd A. Ross

(As first printed in the Traverse City Record-Eagle)

In my time serving in law enforcement, I’ve seen a lot of threats to public safety. But today,
there’s one quietly building momentum that we can’t afford to ignore.

It’s not coming from a back alley or a drug cartel. It’s coming from places that seem a whole lot
more familiar: Your phone, your social media feed, and websites that look just polished enough to seem safe.

I’m talking about the explosion of counterfeit and compounded GLP-1 drugs – like semaglutide
and tirzepatide – sold online, marketed through Instagram and TikTok ads, and distributed by
so-called “wellness clinics” that often have no proper licensing at all.

Originally, these drugs were developed for diabetes treatment and weight loss. When prescribed by a licensed medical professional and dispensed through a legitimate pharmacy, they can be powerful tools for better health. But what’s happening now is different – and dangerous.

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 actually in the syringe.

Some of these operations aren’t even pretending anymore: 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.

We are seeing unlicensed providers write prescriptions after a quick online quiz. We’re seeing
beauty spas and strip-mall clinics mixing and injecting powerful drugs without any real oversight.

We’re seeing counterfeit products shipped through the mail, mislabeled as the real thing.

This isn’t a personal health choice anymore – it’s a public safety threat. And it’s one that’s
growing right under our noses because it’s marketed to look clean, modern, and safe.

Let’s be clear: No social media ad, no influencer recommendation, and no cut-rate online clinic
can replace the safety of a prescription written by a doctor you trust and filled by a pharmacy
you know. If you’re injecting something into your body, you better be sure it’s what you think it is.

Right now, too many people aren’t.

I’m not alone in raising the alarm. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with attorneys general from 37 other states and territories, has urged the Food and Drug Administration to crack down on this dangerous pipeline of counterfeit and illegally compounded GLP-1 drugs.

We’ve seen the fallout from counterfeit drugs before -overdoses, infections, deaths.
We’ve seen compounding pharmacy scandals where simple negligence turned into a national
emergency.

And now, with the speed and reach of social media, the danger moves faster than ever.

My message to the community is simple: If you need treatment, go through a licensed doctor.
Fill your prescriptions at a pharmacy you trust. If someone is offering you a quick fix online or
through an app, walk away.

As a county sheriff who spent the majority of his law enforcement career investigating drug
crimes, it’s my duty to protect this community from all kinds of threats, including the ones that
don’t always look dangerous at first glance.

Let’s stay sharp. Let’s stay safe. And let’s make sure we’re not the next cautionary headline.

Todd A. Ross is the sheriff of Cheboygan County.

🚨Breaking: John James Considers Ending Gubernatorial Campaign To Run For Reelection To US House🚨

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com) 

Sources tell West Michigan Politics that Congressman John James is strongly considering ending his Gubernatorial campaign, and may instead seek reelection in his US House District----an important swing seat that could be vital to Republicans holding the House Majority in 2026.

James and his consultants reportedly thought he'd earn President Trump's endorsement early, clear the field, and keep others out.

Instead, the President is said to be furious with the 2nd term Representative for creating drama and unnecessary turmoil at a time House Republicans are barely hanging on to the Majority.

Notice James hasn't really done anything for his Gubernatorial campaign since announcing, which is VERY interesting, and immensely telling  

He has not attended a single Lincoln Day Dinner or local County party event---0.

Even before President Trump gave James absolute hell at the White House recently, speculation was swirling James may say adios to his Gubernatorial campaign...

“John James. You know he’s running for governor, but I’m not sure I’m happy about that, John.”

Check out the clip below: 

President Trump today: “John James. You know he’s running for governor, but I’m not sure I’m happy about that, John.”

Numerous reports have indicated Trump wants James to run for re-election to Congress to maintain the House GOP majority, but James ignored those requests. pic.twitter.com/XPRKHkxP4j

— The Midwesterner (@Th_Midwesterner) June 12, 2025

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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

↘️As Legislature Misses July 1st Legal Deadline To Pass Budget, House Republicans Can Say They've Done Their Job

Speaker Of The House Matt Hall

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com) 

As the July 1st  deadline for the Michigan legislature to pass a budget is about to come and go without the legislature having complied with their legal responsibilities, Speaker Matt Hall and the House Republicans can confidently say they have done everything they can.

Michigan House Republicans have not shied away from taking on the big issues  like roads, education, and public safety the last 6 months---instead, they have tackled them head on---with impressive results.

Michigan House Republicans passed a historic education budget, full of innovative reforms:

️The foundation allowance is locked in at $12,000 per student (+$2,392) - an all-time record! 

️New flexibility: our local school districts decide their budgets, NOT Lansing lobbyists...

️More than $300 million is being invested to shrink class sizes, giving students more individual attention,  as well as increase 3rd-grade reading levels, and fix old school buildings...

️School safety & mental-health funding is being restored after Democrat's recent cuts, as well as school resource officers in every district!

️Wasteful, "for-profit earmarks" have been eliminated—every dollar goes to schools!

️Expansion of career-tech and vocational programs...

 ️Eliminating DEI, and strengthening protections for girls sports!

The House Republican education budget  delivers for our teachers, students and parents!

Michigan House Republicans  passed a plan to fix Michigan roads WITHOUT raising taxes:

Cut $1 billion+ of corporate welfare

 Use the sales tax ALREADY paid at the pump

️Prioritize current funding in the budget

Cut $600 million in wasteful, BS spending

House Republicans  also passed the bipartisan Public Safety And Violence Prevention Trust Fund to support local police departments and Sheriffs all across Michigan with nearly $120 million

For the first time ever, any legislator requesting a special earmark project had to put their name behind it.

At nearly every turn, Speaker Hall and House Republicans have hit it out of the park! 

However, over in the Senate---where Dem Appropriations Chair Sara Anthony actually said she doesn't give a damn about the July 1st legal deadline---it's been a much different story. 

Illegal And Unconstitutional Budget With $1 BILLION Deficit

 Cuts 60,000 from Medicaid---perhaps to blame President Trump?

Even with thousands of fully funded (but unfilled) positions across state government, the Senate Democrats created and paid for 300 new government bureaucrat positions.

The budget Includes a handful of "placeholders" for major issues like implementing the controversial Michigan State Supreme Court decision requiring new sentencing hearings for murderers 20 and younger, and road/infrastructure improvements---a sign they haven’t put in the work, and don’t have a plan. Given that their budget is already overspent, that $3 billion placeholder for roads also suggests a massive tax hike proposal may be on the horizon!

The Senate’s DNR budget makes expensive recreational passports mandatory for all vehicles, and sharply increases hunting and fishing license fees, hitting families, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday drivers with unnecessary new costs. Every driver will pay a new tax on their birthday every year under this plan. Happy Birthday from the Michigan Senate Dems! 

The Senate Democrats are doubling down on the radical leftist wet dream of defunding the police. The House proposed a Public Safety Trust Fund that puts ~$115 million of annual funding into public safety every year, in every community all across Michigan, with a focus on those doing a good job trying to bring down major crimes. The Senate budget provides roughly half of that.  

The Senate Democrats funnel millions into controversial, unpopular programs, including $10 million for government-funded EV charging stations, $8 million for a pilot program for a new tax on the miles you drive, and $1 million for marijuana ‘social equity,’ whatever the hell that even means! 

Their budget also forces DEI reporting requirements onto public universities, and deputizes the Attorney General’s office to take away local funding unless municipalities have sanctuary city-style policies and support for birthright citizenship. 

Senate Democrats only fund schools at a $10,008 per-pupil foundation allowance —

less than what House Republicans offered to fund education in the shutdown prevention plan.

The Senate budget creates an uneven playing field by slashing support for students who don’t attend traditional public schools. Public charter cyber schools receive 20% less per student, mental health and school safety funds are restricted to only certain schools, free meals are only for some kids, and a $1 million reimbursement for health and safety mandates at non-public schools is eliminated. 

Without an agreement, Michigan’s government will shut down at midnight on October 1st...

Speaker Hall is ready to make a fair deal. Democrats control the Governor's office and Senate, he respects that reality. Elections matter.

Now, it's time Winnie Brinks and Sara Anthony respect the fact that Republicans control the State House. Elections matter. It's time they recognize that, and come to the bargaining table in good faith...

Stay tuned!

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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

COMING SOON: West Michigan Politics Launches "Lansing Confidential" Podcast

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)  

It's been a long time coming: the West Michigan Politics PODCAST.

Tentatively named "Lansing Confidential," this podcast will be:

Raw.

Relevant.

Explicit.

Unfiltered.

Uncensored.

Informative. 

Part me derping, part breaking news, part guest interviews, part relevant audio clips, part debate, part listener questions/opinions, Lansing Confidential will revolutionize the podcast game in Michigan politics!

Though the focus will be state politics and campaigns, we will also touch on local and national politics, sports, and MUCH more!

ALSO: Lansing Confidential will not be released on a consistent day weekly, rather, as I see fit---at least preliminarily. 

Stay tuned for our first episode dropping soon...

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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

➡️WATCH: Ted Nugent "ShitKicks" The Michigan DNR In Powerful State House Testimony

 

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com) 

Ted Nugent came to Lansing Wednesday to testify on abuses by (and issues with) the Michigan Department Of Natural Resources.

In true "Uncle Ted" fashion, Nugent was a real "shitkicker."

Nugent absolutely SHREDDED the DNR on a number of issues.

“The AG department wants more deer killed, the DNR wants more deer killed, the soup kitchens want more deer killed, the insurance companies want more deer killed, the highway department wants more deer killed,” Nugent said. “Get the hell out of our way and let us do our job. I take your points, but I think we need to expand on that. It’s not a slight overpopulation--it’s a dangerous overpopulation and it’s devastating agriculture. Slaughters on the highway, it breaks my heart.”

Watch the full testimony HERE:

My friend Jack and I were fortunate enough to hang out with Ted backstage along with the Secret Service at President Trump's last rally of 2020 in Grand Rapids at GRR, and he is absolutely BADASS!

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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: Michigan Headed For Government Shutdown As Legislature Likely To Miss July 1st Legal Deadline To Pass Budget Because Of Senate Dems🚨

Dem Senate Appropriations Chair Sara Anthony 

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com) 

For the first time in nearly 20 years, thanks to Senate Dems, Michigan is headed towards a government shutdown on October 1st---and the State Legislature is about to miss their July 1st legal deadline to have a budget passed. 

The July 1st deadline was a policy started by Gov. Rick Snyder after 2 different government shutdowns under Jennifer Granholm, then later codified into law by the Legislature. 

The Democrat Senate Appropriations Chair Sara Anthony recently said she doesn't care about the July 1st legal deadline.

In a press conference yesterday, Speaker Hall said he believes making a deal is still possible, and the House stands ready to meet their legal obligations...

Leading up to this moment, Senate Democrats have been unrealistic---they want a bloated. unsustainable. and irresponsible budget.. 

Where House Republicans understand they won't get everything they want when Dems control the Senate and Governor's office, Senate Dems are behaving like the Republican House doesn't exist. It's INSANE.

The fact the Dems just blew through a 9 billion budget surplus on pet projects for DEMOCRAT districts doesn't help with their credibility...

Thankfully, Speaker Hall saw all this coming!

Already anticipating these games months ago, Speaker Matt Hall and the House passed a bipartisan shutdown prevention plan on March 6th to ensure that schools and other vital services are funded even if an agreement is not reached by October 1st.

The Senate refuses to consider the measure, instead passing an unbalanced, unconstitutional budget full of all sorts of BS. 

The Senate could pass the House Republican plan to make sure prisons are staffed, our court system continues running, our amazing Michigan State Police officers remain on the streets, protecting our local communities, and the state’s veterans’ homes continue providing much needed care to those who served. 

Speaker Hall's plan also guarantees local governments receive revenue-sharing payments, so they can keep providing essential services, like police and fire response in local communities while a balanced budget that fixes roads, reverses the Democratic income tax hike, brings state employees back to work instead of sitting at home, and addresses other important priorities, is negotiated...

Stay tuned!

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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