Governor Gretchen Whitmer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — As promised, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation that would have ended Michigan’s ban on using bait to hunt deer or elk, saying the restriction is needed to curb the spread of animal diseases such as chronic wasting disease.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says delaying implementation of work requirements for enrollees in Michigan's Medicaid expansion program would prevent the state from potentially wasting at least $1 million.

The Democrat issued a special message to legislative leaders Tuesday, a day after saying the Republican-controlled Legislature should pause the rules taking effect in January.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is joining Democratic lawmakers to support a repeal of Michigan's abortion restrictions and regulations.

The legislation introduced Tuesday won't advance in the Republican-led Legislature. But the Democratic governor said it's important to advocate for the proposed Michigan Reproductive Health Act because residents "value a woman's right to choose."

The bills would repeal an unenforced 1931 law that bans virtually all abortions, remove a parental consent requirement and lift a 24-hour waiting period.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is supporting autoworkers who are striking against General Motors.

The Democrat on Monday visited United Auto Workers members picketing outside the Lansing Grand River plant, blocks from the state Capitol building. Photos her office posted to social media showed her shaking hands and delivering doughnuts.

Spokeswoman Tiffany Brown says Whitmer is closely monitoring the strike and supports working peoples' rights to negotiate together for better wages, benefits, working conditions and more time to spend with their families.

Republican legislative leaders have agreed to a budget framework and intend to begin passing bills despite not reaching a road-funding deal with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says target spending levels were sent to the leaders of budget panels Thursday. Details need to hashed out by conference committees that are expected to vote next week.

The budget deadline is Oct. 1.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags be lowered to honor the victims of the weekend mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

Whitmer said Sunday the flags should be displayed at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds and facilities until sunset on Thursday. She also encourages local governments, businesses, residents and others to do the same.

In all, 29 people were killed and about 50 injured in less than 24 hours.