By Jamie A. Hope
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Hens could lay in Michigan’s residential backyards under a bipartisan bill introduced in the state House in January.
House Bill 4049, introduced by Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, would allow up to five chickens per quarter-acre of property, with a limit of 25 chickens in residential areas. Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, is a co-sponsor.
“Eggs are too (darn) expensive right now, and this legislation could make a real difference,” Morgan said in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
The bill would allow people living under residential zoning restrictions to keep egg-laying hens on their property. If enacted into law, the bill would override local ordinances that ban hens in residential areas.
Any number of hens higher than the limit specified in the bill would be subject to local zoning laws. The bill would not ban local governments from enforcing nuisance laws on noise, hours of operation, or advertising. The bill allows cities to ban roosters, if they choose, because of possible noise complaints.
Response to bird flu has led to the slaughter of 6.5 million chickens in the last year, DeSana said in a press release, contributing to a spike in retail egg prices.
A 2019 law that took effect Dec. 31, 2024, is another factor influencing the price of eggs in the state. It requires all eggs sold in Michigan to come from cage-free hens.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reviewing the legislation and doesn’t have a stance, according to Jennifer Holton, chief emergency management communications officer.
The city of Midland bans chickens and livestock within city limits. However, the much larger cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor allow chickens.
Emily Dudley, a Midland resident, supports the bill and would like it to apply to people who own less than a quarter acre of land.
Dudley is preparing to lobby the Midland City Council to allow chickens, she told CapCon in an interview. She added that it is important for children to learn to raise animals and become more self-sufficient.
Dudley pointed to gray areas in the city‘s safety standards, which treat soil as safe to touch but presume that it is unsafe to eat animals raised on that soil.
Gardens and fruit trees are not prohibited, Dudley noted, and they grow in the soil.
Midland City Council members did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Midland, the home of Dow Chemical Company, bans chickens out of concern over potential dioxin contamination, according to a two-page fact sheet from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
“Chickens can consume dioxins when they peck at the soil and eat insects from the ground,” according to the state document on poultry and livestock production. The fact sheet notes that Midland's ban does not apply along the lower Tittabawassee River or the downstream section of the Saginaw River.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Hens could lay in Michigan’s residential backyards under a bipartisan bill introduced in the state House in January.
House Bill 4049, introduced by Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, would allow up to five chickens per quarter-acre of property, with a limit of 25 chickens in residential areas. Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, is a co-sponsor.
“Eggs are too (darn) expensive right now, and this legislation could make a real difference,” Morgan said in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
The bill would allow people living under residential zoning restrictions to keep egg-laying hens on their property. If enacted into law, the bill would override local ordinances that ban hens in residential areas.
Any number of hens higher than the limit specified in the bill would be subject to local zoning laws. The bill would not ban local governments from enforcing nuisance laws on noise, hours of operation, or advertising. The bill allows cities to ban roosters, if they choose, because of possible noise complaints.
Response to bird flu has led to the slaughter of 6.5 million chickens in the last year, DeSana said in a press release, contributing to a spike in retail egg prices.
A 2019 law that took effect Dec. 31, 2024, is another factor influencing the price of eggs in the state. It requires all eggs sold in Michigan to come from cage-free hens.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reviewing the legislation and doesn’t have a stance, according to Jennifer Holton, chief emergency management communications officer.
The city of Midland bans chickens and livestock within city limits. However, the much larger cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor allow chickens.
Emily Dudley, a Midland resident, supports the bill and would like it to apply to people who own less than a quarter acre of land.
Dudley is preparing to lobby the Midland City Council to allow chickens, she told CapCon in an interview. She added that it is important for children to learn to raise animals and become more self-sufficient.
Dudley pointed to gray areas in the city‘s safety standards, which treat soil as safe to touch but presume that it is unsafe to eat animals raised on that soil.
Gardens and fruit trees are not prohibited, Dudley noted, and they grow in the soil.
Midland City Council members did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Midland, the home of Dow Chemical Company, bans chickens out of concern over potential dioxin contamination, according to a two-page fact sheet from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
“Chickens can consume dioxins when they peck at the soil and eat insects from the ground,” according to the state document on poultry and livestock production. The fact sheet notes that Midland's ban does not apply along the lower Tittabawassee River or the downstream section of the Saginaw River.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
EGLE Reports Increase in Solid Waste Going to Landfills
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently released its 29th annual solid waste report, which offers a look at inputs to Michigan’s landfills.
There was a 5.43 percent increase in solid waste disposed of in Michigan landfills compared to the same period in 2023. Waste disposed of by Michigan residents and businesses increased 7.05 percent, and waste imported from other states and Canada decreased 1.15 percent.
Imported waste represents 18.97 percent of all waste disposed of in Michigan landfills. The largest source of waste imported into Michigan continues to be from Canada, contributing 14.35 percent. More than 3.46 million tons of waste came from Canada last year, up from nearly 3.41 million tons in 2023, according to EGLE.
Twelve states imported waste into Michigan with Ohio contributing the largest amount of imported waste from other states.
All 67 Michigan landfills, including the Autumn Hills landfill in Zeeland Township, are required to submit information on disposal to EGLE. EGLE’s Materials Management Division compiles this information into an annual report for the Legislature.
EGLE continues to invest in increased recycling and waste reduction efforts to reduce overall waste disposal in Michigan. In 2024, EGLE awarded more than $14 million in grants to increase access to recycling and improve recycling infrastructure.
Under Michigan’s recently amended solid waste law, counties and regions have embarked on a process to develop comprehensive Materials Management Plans. Where historic planning efforts focused on landfill capacity, these plans will focus on more sustainable approaches such as recycling and composting. With continued improvements to our state’s recycling infrastructure, the lifespan of our existing landfills will be extended.
There was a 5.43 percent increase in solid waste disposed of in Michigan landfills compared to the same period in 2023. Waste disposed of by Michigan residents and businesses increased 7.05 percent, and waste imported from other states and Canada decreased 1.15 percent.
Imported waste represents 18.97 percent of all waste disposed of in Michigan landfills. The largest source of waste imported into Michigan continues to be from Canada, contributing 14.35 percent. More than 3.46 million tons of waste came from Canada last year, up from nearly 3.41 million tons in 2023, according to EGLE.
Twelve states imported waste into Michigan with Ohio contributing the largest amount of imported waste from other states.
All 67 Michigan landfills, including the Autumn Hills landfill in Zeeland Township, are required to submit information on disposal to EGLE. EGLE’s Materials Management Division compiles this information into an annual report for the Legislature.
EGLE continues to invest in increased recycling and waste reduction efforts to reduce overall waste disposal in Michigan. In 2024, EGLE awarded more than $14 million in grants to increase access to recycling and improve recycling infrastructure.
Under Michigan’s recently amended solid waste law, counties and regions have embarked on a process to develop comprehensive Materials Management Plans. Where historic planning efforts focused on landfill capacity, these plans will focus on more sustainable approaches such as recycling and composting. With continued improvements to our state’s recycling infrastructure, the lifespan of our existing landfills will be extended.
Impacted Federal Workers Offered Support Amid Layoffs
For federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)?is highlighting resources to support them.
“Federal workers who reside in Michigan and have been impacted by recent layoffs can tap into our resources to ensure they have what they need at this time,” ?LEO Director Susan Corbin said. “Our department is working to ensure laid off federal workers can access services – including filing for unemployment and searching for a new job – to help them on a pathway to new opportunities and a brighter future in Michigan.”
A comprehensive new webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search and community resources.
“Being laid off is a stressful experience for anyone who loses a job through no fault of their own,” Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Jason Palmer said. “Our new webpage has information that will help people file an unemployment claim and connect them to other resources that provide assistance at a chaotic time in their lives.”
—————
RESOURCES
Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the?Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:
• UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
• Online coaching sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
• UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
• Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
• Looking for work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
• Assistance with setting up an account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.
• For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos and other resources at Michigan. gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017.
In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers.
“Impacted federal workers may be eligible to receive services through one or more workforce development programs,” said Krista Johnson, Workforce Development Deputy Director for LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Workers should contact their local Michigan Works! service center for information about programs and services that may be available to assist them with finding another job, upgrading their skills, or embarking on a new career path.”
Services offered through Michigan Works! include:
Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
• Program information and basic assessment
• Individual job development and employment planning
• Advanced screened referrals
• Group activities
• Job search
Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
• Comprehensive specialized assessment
• Counseling
• Short-term pre-vocational skills
• Case management
• Literacy activities
• Out-of-area job search
• Relocation assistance
• Internship and work experience
Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
• Occupational skills
• On-the-job training
• Workplace training with related instruction
• Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship
• Incumbent worker
• Skill upgrading and retraining
• Entrepreneurial training
• Adult education/literacy activities in combination with any other training service
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
Additional helpful sites for workers:
Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Michigan’s labor exchange for connecting job seekers and employers: MiTalent.org
Learn More, Earn More
Discover Adult Education Services in Michigan to improve education levels, obtain a high school credential, or become a better English speaker: Michigan.gov/ LearnMoreEarnMore
State of Michigan Job Vacancies
Laid-off federal workers who may be interested in a position at the State of Michigan can find openings and are encouraged to apply at: Governmentjobs.com/ careers/michigan
Michigan Career Portal
Through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)’s national You Can in Michigan talent attraction and retention campaign, the state offers the Michigan Career Portal as a comprehensive resource
for reviewing job openings across Michigan: Michigancareerportal. org
Michigan Reconnect
Michigan Reconnect is available for adults 25 and up without a college degree to earn a tuition-free degree or skill certificate at their local community or Tribal college: Michigan.gov/Reconnect
Child Care Assistance
The State of Michigan offers support for child care to qualifying families as they work or go to school through the Child Development and Care program: Michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/child-care-assistance
“Federal workers who reside in Michigan and have been impacted by recent layoffs can tap into our resources to ensure they have what they need at this time,” ?LEO Director Susan Corbin said. “Our department is working to ensure laid off federal workers can access services – including filing for unemployment and searching for a new job – to help them on a pathway to new opportunities and a brighter future in Michigan.”
A comprehensive new webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search and community resources.
“Being laid off is a stressful experience for anyone who loses a job through no fault of their own,” Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Jason Palmer said. “Our new webpage has information that will help people file an unemployment claim and connect them to other resources that provide assistance at a chaotic time in their lives.”
—————
RESOURCES
Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the?Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:
• UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
• Online coaching sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
• UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
• Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
• Looking for work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
• Assistance with setting up an account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.
• For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos and other resources at Michigan. gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017.
In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers.
“Impacted federal workers may be eligible to receive services through one or more workforce development programs,” said Krista Johnson, Workforce Development Deputy Director for LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Workers should contact their local Michigan Works! service center for information about programs and services that may be available to assist them with finding another job, upgrading their skills, or embarking on a new career path.”
Services offered through Michigan Works! include:
Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
• Program information and basic assessment
• Individual job development and employment planning
• Advanced screened referrals
• Group activities
• Job search
Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
• Comprehensive specialized assessment
• Counseling
• Short-term pre-vocational skills
• Case management
• Literacy activities
• Out-of-area job search
• Relocation assistance
• Internship and work experience
Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
• Occupational skills
• On-the-job training
• Workplace training with related instruction
• Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship
• Incumbent worker
• Skill upgrading and retraining
• Entrepreneurial training
• Adult education/literacy activities in combination with any other training service
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
Additional helpful sites for workers:
Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Michigan’s labor exchange for connecting job seekers and employers: MiTalent.org
Learn More, Earn More
Discover Adult Education Services in Michigan to improve education levels, obtain a high school credential, or become a better English speaker: Michigan.gov/ LearnMoreEarnMore
State of Michigan Job Vacancies
Laid-off federal workers who may be interested in a position at the State of Michigan can find openings and are encouraged to apply at: Governmentjobs.com/ careers/michigan
Michigan Career Portal
Through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)’s national You Can in Michigan talent attraction and retention campaign, the state offers the Michigan Career Portal as a comprehensive resource
for reviewing job openings across Michigan: Michigancareerportal. org
Michigan Reconnect
Michigan Reconnect is available for adults 25 and up without a college degree to earn a tuition-free degree or skill certificate at their local community or Tribal college: Michigan.gov/Reconnect
Child Care Assistance
The State of Michigan offers support for child care to qualifying families as they work or go to school through the Child Development and Care program: Michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/child-care-assistance
