Lansing Mayor Andy Schor Begins Third Term as New Year Brings Changes Across Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Lansing Mayor Andy Schor was officially sworn in for a third term during an inauguration ceremony held Thursday at Impression 5 Science Center. During his remarks, Schor highlighted several priorities for the city, including aggressive efforts to repair Lansing’s deteriorating roads.

The mayor acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, noting an estimated $300 million is needed to fully address road conditions throughout the city. While not every road will be repaired when construction begins in June, Schor emphasized the city’s commitment to making meaningful progress.

“We’re not going to get to every road starting in June, but we are going to be aggressive,” Schor said, adding that city leaders have firsthand knowledge of the problem after walking hundreds of miles of Lansing streets.

Four Lansing City Council members were also sworn in during the ceremony. Returning councilmembers Jeremy Garza and Peter Spadafore took the oath alongside newly elected members Clara Martinez and Deyanira Martinez. City Clerk Chris Swope was sworn in as well.

 

As the new year begins, several new Michigan laws are now in effect. The state’s minimum wage has increased to $13.73 per hour, with the tipped minimum wage rising to $5.49 per hour. Workers will also see changes to state tax deductions related to tipped income and overtime pay.

Michigan drivers will notice additional changes at the pump and beyond. A new 24 percent wholesale marijuana tax and a new gas tax have taken effect, both aimed at raising more than $1.8 billion annually for road funding statewide.

Motorists can also purchase a new red, white, and blue Michigan license plate beginning today. The design, created in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, was originally available in the 1970s and 1980s. The specialty plate costs $55.

 

Lansing-area hospitals also welcomed the first babies of the new year. At U of M Health Sparrow, Mateo James was born at 12:16 a.m. Thursday to parents Antonio and Krysta of East Lansing. At McLaren Greater Lansing, Terrell Couthen Jr. was born at 8:30 a.m. to parents Terrell and Antonett of Lansing.

 

Meanwhile, today marks the final weekday of winter break for many K-12 students across mid-Michigan. School districts including Lansing and East Lansing Public Schools are scheduled to resume classes on Monday.

 

Rounding out the start of the year, Lake Superior State University released its 50th annual list of “banished” words and phrases. This year’s list includes terms such as “6-7,” “demure,” “cooked,” “massive,” and “incentivize,” along with phrases like “full stop,” “reach out,” “my bad,” and “gifted.”  The list is released annually to highlight words and phrases the university says are overused or misused in public conversation.