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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *  

November 22, 2023 

Contact: [email protected]   <[email protected]%E2%80%AF%E2%80%AF> 

 

*Gov. Whitmer Signed Legislation Cutting Red Tape and Reducing Bureaucracy in Schools, Ensuring Teachers Can Spend More Time Educating Students * 

"Other legislation includes declaring Juneteenth and increasing affordable housing protections." 

   

*LANSING, Mich.* – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation aimed at boosting student performance outcomes across the state. The new laws will support Michigan’s public school students and educators by cutting unnecessary red tape and reducing bureaucracy in schools. Under the new law, students will get more personalized face-to-face learning with educators instead of being buried in lessons designed for standardized testing.   

 

“Since taking office, we have taken decisive action to improve student outcomes, support teachers, and position Michigan schools for success. By bringing Democrats and Republicans together, we’ve made historic investments in K-12 education, added supports and services for kids both inside and outside the classroom, and built a pipeline of talent to attract and retain educators in the state,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “Today’s bills take important steps to further cut unnecessary red tape and reduce government bureaucracy in schools to ensure that educators can spend more time teaching students the fundamentals they need to succeed. We must continue to find ways to boost student outcomes so that every child has an opportunity to succeed.” 

 

Senate Bills 395 and 396 take important steps to reestablish an evaluation system that fairly and effectively measures teacher performance—ensuring due process for teachers who face disciplinary action, eliminating arbitrary use of state summative data, and outlining a pathway for educators to improve, all while considering locally agreed upon metrics of meaningful student academic progress. 

 

“As a public school teacher for nearly 20 years, I saw firsthand that we needed to free up time for school administrators to focus on guiding new and developing teachers to greatness. My bill does just that,” said *state Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia)*. “Teachers rated ‘effective”’for three consecutive years will now be evaluated triennially, giving principals more time to work with those who need it most.” 

 

“We all want our students and teachers to be their best. Years of data show us that an over-burdensome, over-regulated educator evaluation process isn’t delivering that,” said *state Senator McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City)*. “This legislation allows for more constructive evaluations and gives teachers and local administrators greater flexibility in determining the most appropriate metrics for educator and student growth. It’s important that we get back to teachers focusing more on student needs instead of 'teaching to the test'." 

 

“The important changes Governor Whitmer signed into law today will help our state better develop world-class teachers who can prepare Michigan students for long-term success in college and the workplace,” said *Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County*. “Instead of having a punitive teacher evaluation system based largely on standardized test scores, our local schools can focus more on meeting students’ individual learning needs and helping our kids grow into lifelong learners.” 

 

“We appreciate all the work that went into this issue and are pleased to see the bills signed into law,” said *Jennifer Smith, Michigan Association of School Boards*. “These changes will help make teacher and administrator evaluations more effective, and including student growth as a portion of the evaluation will continue to hold districts accountable to their students, parents and communities. 

  

"These bills make significant improvements to Michigan’s educator evaluation law,” said *Wendy Zdeb, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals*. “They reduce the workload burden the system puts on teachers and principals and add some important support for developing educators. Taken together, this is going to mean more effective evaluations and more time for everyone to spend supporting students." 

 

"I applaud Governor Whitmer for signing the teacher evaluation Bill today,” said *Terrence Martin, President of AFT Michigan*. “This legislation allows for the return of teacher voice to the evaluation process and ensures our teachers are supported and properly resourced. By providing a fair and comprehensive evaluation system, we can continue to attract and retain the best teachers, ultimately improving educational outcomes for all Michigan students." 

 

_*Juneteenth*_ 

Governor Whitmer signed legislation sponsored by state Representative Helena Scott, declaring June 19th as Juneteenth in Michigan. In Michigan, June 19th will now be celebrated as Juneteenth, a day to highlight Black history and culture, commemorate the end of slavery in America and celebrate fundamental values we all hold dear—freedom, liberty, and equality. 

   

“On Juneteenth, we come together to celebrate fundamental American values of freedom and equality, embodied by the stories and legacies of the Black community,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “Juneteenth is a moment of celebration and reflection, but it is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to action. Since I took office, we have been focused on making Michigan a more equitable place where every Michigander has equal opportunity to succeed. I am proud to sign Representative Scott’s bill affirming that June 19th will forever be known as Juneteenth in Michigan." 

 

*House Bill 4722* eliminates “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in order to establish Juneteenth as a public holiday. *House Bill 4457 *designates June 19th as Juneteenth. 

 

“The signing of my bill for Juneteenth is a proud moment. From now on, ‘Juneteenth,’ or June 19, is a state-recognized holiday, bringing it on par with other state and federal holidays as a bank and judicial holiday in Michigan,” said *state Representative Helena Scott (D-Detroit)*. “Establishing Juneteenth as an official state holiday supports an ongoing effort to expand racial justice and equity in Michigan. It’s important to recognize, to learn and to teach the truths of our country’s past — history matters, even the true but difficult parts of our nation’s history, the parts of history that tell the lived experiences and stories of marginalized people and often misremembered cultures.”   

 

_*Affordable and Accessible Housing*_ 

Governor Whitmer signed legislation, sponsored by state Representative Amos O’Neal, requiring renters to be notified if there is a serious and imminent hazard in their property, offering tenants further protections.  

 

*House Bill 4273* requires apartment building occupants to be notified of serious and imminent hazards to their health and safety. 

 

“This bill was about communication; it ensures the right information is given at the right time to the right people,” said *state Representative Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw)*. “Tenants deserve transparency to know when their apartment complex is at risk of condemnation — this bill eliminates discretion-related notification and mandates this essential communication. Folks will rest easy knowing they are entitled to receive important information about the status of their living situation.” 

 

_*Other Legislation*_ 

Governor Whitmer also signed House Bills 4021, 4084, 4126, 4346, 4515, 4926 and Senate Bills 22, 103, 104, 105, 262, 572, 573, and 592. 

 

*House Bill 4021* would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to extend the definition of peace officer and increase safety on off-road vehicle trails. 

 

“This is a huge win for rural Michigan. Right now sheriffs have a hard time enforcing laws on the trails because of staffing rules,” said *state Representative Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington)*. “But with this small legislative change, our trails will be an even safer place to enjoy.” 

 

*House Bill 4084* provides tax relief for small businesses who were unable to apply for a personal property tax exemption due to the pandemic. 

 

“This bill provides critical support to our Michigan manufacturers, and it is about finding ways to make it easier for Michigan families and small businesses to thrive,” said *state Representative Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights)*. “This legislation protects jobs, while saving money during the process.  Michigan is a manufacturing state, and I am proud to invest in, and protect, this vital industry." 

 

*House Bill 4126* repeals a legislative sunset to ensure that local roads continue to operate at safe speeds. 

 

"The official signing of this legislation means our communities will continue to remain safe with current common sense speed regulations,” said *state Representative Will Snyder (D-Muskegon)*. “Eliminating this sunset provision will allow for a continuation of the status quo, meaning communities will not have to navigate increased bureaucratic red tape and costs." 

 

*House Bill 4346* allows municipal public employee retirement boards to meet remotely. 

 

“I’m happy to see my bill make it across the finish line and be signed by the governor. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many things have changed,” said former *state Representative Kevin Coleman (D-Westland)*. “Many of us are working from home or in a hybrid working environment. It’s time that Michigan laws are updated to reflect the new professional reality we live in and allow for public meetings of employee retirement systems to be held remotely.” 

 

*House Bill 4515* eliminates the legislative sunset on license fees for the operation of off-road vehicles. 

 

“Today is an exciting day! Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural features in the world, and our quickly growing off-roading community shows how much Michiganders love getting outdoors to experience it,” said *state Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette)*. “With the signing of this bill, we are renewing state support for our unparalleled off-road vehicle trails and the infrastructure necessary to enjoy them. Michigan will continue to be a place with safe access to explore our grand outdoors.” 

 

*House Bill 4926* provides clarity to taxpayers on how personal property is assessed while working remotely.  

 

“I’m glad this legislation is being signed into law,” said *state Representative Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac)*. “It’s an example of good policy that keeps pace with how the course of doing business has changed since the pandemic. Things are different now, and as businesses continue to offer work-from-home models or remote flexibility options for workers, changes to the tax structure for property assessments were necessary.” 

 

*Senate Bill 22* clarifies prohibition of weapons in a sterile area of an airport and provides penalties. 

 

“This is a commonsense piece of legislation designed to help ensure our airports are secure,” said *state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs)*. “I am proud to have offered a bill that so many legislators from both political parties supported to keep our travelers safe. This is how good legislation should work.” 

 

*Senate Bill 103* provides requirements for sports fishing guides. 

 

“This legislation is a major win, establishing vital regulations for hunting and fishing guides in Michigan, ensuring ethical practices and boosting professionalism in the industry,” said *state Senator John Cherry* *(D-Flint)*. “I’m thrilled to see the Governor sign this bill. It will enhance data collection on the state’s fish and game populations and ensure people engaged in this business are not poaching or engaging in bad behavior — a crucial victory for Michigan’s conversation efforts and protecting its natural resources.” 

 

*Senate Bill 104* provides requirements for commercial hunting guides. 

 

“I want to thank all the stakeholders who worked diligently on this legislation through the years,” said *state Senator Kevin Daley (R-Lum)*. “I believe that this package provides a low threshold for entry and a basic framework for guides while protecting our hunters and anglers and ensuring increased data is available for wildlife management decisions.” 

 

*Senate Bill 105* provides exclusive authority to regulate sport fishing to the state’s Natural Resources Commission.  

 

“Strengthening protections for Michigan’s natural resources and reinforcing our commitment to environmental conservation and wildlife preservation is paramount,” said *state Senator Sean McCann* *(D-Kalamazoo), Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee*. “The signing of these bills represents a crucial step in establishing essential regulations for hunting and fishing guides in Michigan, safeguarding the integrity of our state’s valuable natural resources and promoting responsible outdoor practices.”  

 

*Senate Bill 262* exempts certain tents from fire resistance requirements. 

 

“This bill eliminates an outdated regulation that required tents to be treated with ineffective and toxic flame retardants,” said *state Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor)*. “Now, people in our state can access a wider range of camping tents to enjoy Michigan's out-of-doors.” 

 

*Senate Bills 572 and 573* would make necessary changes to allow the maximum size of an election day precinct to increase from 2,999 register voters to 4,999. 

 

“With the passage of Proposal 2, we now have more convenient early options to vote. We listened to election administrators at every level while drafting the laws to implement these new voting procedures, and they asked the Legislature to help them more efficiently assign staff and resources during voting through Election Day,” said *state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield)*. “These bills allow local clerks to consolidate precincts, thereby lessening the administrative cost of running an election. This flexible option provided to election officials passed the House and Senate with overwhelmingly bipartisan support.” 

 

*Senate Bill 592* prohibits civil actions against certain opioid litigation settlement defendants. 

 

“I'm happy to see the Governor signing Senate Bill 592 — marking a significant moment in ensuring Michigan receives its rightful share of funds from national opioid settlements,” said *state Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield)*. “This victory not only secures Michigan residents' financial well-being but reaffirms Senate Democrats' commitment to tackling the opioid crisis head-on. Together, we're paving the way for a healthier, stronger Michigan.” 

 

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