Legislation to permanently eliminate the 3% tax some public school teachers pay into a health care fund for retirement passed through the Michigan Senate along party lines Tuesday. SB 911, sponsored by state Sen.

A four-bill package which would mirror the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 has passed through the Michigan Senate. The bills in the Michigan Voting Rights Act — Senate Bills 401, 402, 403 and 404 — passed Tuesday along party lines,

School groups are applauding the $615 million in yearly savings. Republicans warn of long-term consequences for educator pensions.

The new legislation would shift about $600 million to $700 million in costs annually away from districts and to the state's School Aid Fund.

Michigan’s Senate voted to pass four election-related bills that aim to counter voter discrimination on the basis of race, ability or language – protections already provided by the 15th amendment that the legislation is meant to bolster.