The legislative power of the state of Michigan is vested in a bicameral (2-chamber) body comprised of a senate and a house of representatives. The senate consists of 38 members who are elected by the qualified electors of districts that range in size from approximately 248,600 to 274,600 residents (under a redistricting plan enacted in 2001). Senators are elected at the same time as the governor and serve 4-year terms concurrent with the governor’s term of office. The house of representatives consists of 110 members who are elected by the qualified electors of districts that range in size from approximately 85,900 to 94,800 residents (under a redistricting plan enacted in 2001). Representatives are elected in even-numbered years to 2-year terms. Legislative districts are drawn on the basis of population figures obtained through the federal decennial census. Terms for senators and representatives begin on January 1, following the November general election.
Effective with terms of office beginning on or after January 1, 1993, state legislators (as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general) are subject to term limitations. State senators may not be elected more than 2 times and state representatives may not be elected more than 3 times. The state legislature enacts the laws of Michigan; levies taxes and appropriates funds from money collected for the support of public institutions and the administration of the affairs of state government; proposes amendments to the state constitution, which must be approved by a majority vote of the electors; and considers legislation proposed by initiatory petitions.
The legislature also provides oversight of the executive branch of government through the administrative rules and audit processes, committees, and the budget process; advises and consents, through the senate, on gubernatorial appointments; and considers proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States. The majority of the legislature’s work, however, entails lawmaking. Through a process defined by the state constitution, statute, and legislative rules, the legislature considers thousands of bills (proposed laws) during each 2-year session.
Elected Officials
Key Committees
State Appropriation Process
Michigan Capital Outlay Projects, Budgets and Analysis
FY 2012-13 Higher Education Appropriations Report
State Budget Overview- February 2013
Overview of Governor Snyder's FY2013-14 Budget
