Michigan Senate Snapshot
The Michigan Senate is the upper lawmaking house of the state's bicameral Legislature. Like its counterpart, the Michigan House of Representatives, the Senate drafts and debates legislation that eventually is signed into state law by the Governor. It also levies taxes and appropriates funds, proposes amendments to the state constitution, and considers legislation introduced by petitions. Some 38 senators (elected to four-year terms) comprise the Senate and are led by the Senate President, who also serves as Lieutenant Governor. Senate committees - such as agriculture; economic development and regulatory reform; education; and health policy - originate bills that are then passed on to the full Senate for a vote.
