Governor Whitmer Enacts Key Legislation to Support Michigan

News Summary

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed three significant legislative bills aimed at easing the burden on small businesses and honoring fallen service members in Michigan. Among these, House Bill 4403 supports craft beverage producers, enabling collaboration among distillers. Additionally, two bills commemorate the sacrifices of Sgt. Matthew Webber and Trooper James E. Boland by designating memorial highways. Despite the bills’ bipartisan support, concerns remain about the slow pace of the current legislative session and its impact on public safety and economic priorities.

Lansing, Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three legislative bills into law on Friday, amidst one of the slowest legislative sessions in Michigan’s history. These bills, crafted to lower costs for small businesses and to honor two service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, mark the seventh, eighth, and ninth pieces of legislation officially enacted in 2025. Typically, lawmakers would have introduced dozens to hundreds of new laws by this time of the year, raising concerns about the slow pace and its implications for public safety and economic priorities in the state.

Support for Small Businesses

One of the key pieces of legislation, House Bill 4403, expands an alternating proprietorship rule specifically for small businesses involved in creating spirits and mixed beverages. This amendment to the Liquor Control Code permits multiple distillers to share the same manufacturing space and equipment. By easing the burden of costly capital investments and bureaucratic obstacles, the bill aims to foster collaboration among small businesses within Michigan’s craft beverage sector.

This measure received broad bipartisan support in both chambers, passing without any opposing votes. Only six state representatives did not participate in the voting process, while five state senators were excused. The bill is sponsored by state Representative Pauline Wendzel, who has expressed optimism that it will encourage innovation and growth in the industry.

Honoring Fallen Service Members

In addition to bolstering small businesses, the governor’s signing spree includes two bills aimed at commemorating the lives of fallen heroes. House Bill 4003 dedicates a section of US-131 in Mecosta County as the “Sgt. Matthew Webber Memorial Highway” in honor of Sergeant Matthew Webber, who lost his life while serving in Iraq in 2005. The memorial highway will stretch between US-131 and 11 Mile Road and US-131 and Old State Road.

This bill, like the others, achieved bipartisan agreement and passed without dissent. Two representatives abstained from voting, and four senators were excused. The bill was initiated by state Representative Tom Kunse, who expressed pride in recognizing the sacrifice made by Sgt. Webber and the service members who represent the state.

Furthermore, House Bill 4046 pays tribute to Michigan State Police Trooper James E. Boland, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver while on duty. A portion of US-31 in Grand Traverse County will be designated as the “Trooper James E. Boland Memorial Highway,” covering the stretch between US-31 and Three Mile Road and US-31 and Bunker Hill Road. This legislation also passed with unanimous support in the legislature, confirming the state’s commitment to honoring its public safety officers. Two representatives did not vote, and four senators were excused.

A Slow Legislative Session

The current legislative session’s pace has raised concerns among lawmakers and community stakeholders who believe that more action is necessary to address pressing public safety and economic challenges facing the state of Michigan. With the slow progression of new laws, questions have arisen about the impact on service delivery and the implementation of programs aimed at enhancing public safety and supporting local businesses.

As Michigan continues to navigate these issues, the governor’s recent legislative activity reflects ongoing efforts to support economic growth and commemorate those who have served their community and country. However, the overall sluggishness of the current session emphasizes a need for renewed urgency and focus on legislative priorities going forward.

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