The high court is hearing arguments Wednesday on whether Republicans in Lansing acted lawfully in passing a paid sick leave bill last year before neutering it. The court may offer its opinion, or it may not, raising the specter of a formal lawsuit.
Alexandra Schmidt
Former Public Engagement Reporter
Alexandra Schmidt is the Public Engagement Reporter at Bridge Magazine. From 2017 to 2019, she worked in the Public Engagement Team at the Center for Michigan, Bridge’s publisher, where she spoke with thousands of Michiganders to identify resident priorities for the state legislature. She amplified those views straight to state leaders by writing, delivering, and promoting the Center’s annual Citizen’s Agenda. Previously, she worked with HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the Big 10 Network, TBS, and Comedy Central. She holds a bachelor’s degree with high honors in Urban Studies from the University of Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Invasive plants choke Michigan waters. So why can anyone order them online?
Residents can order invasive plants through specialty websites, even though they are illegal in Michigan. Is there a better way to protect the state’s fish, waters and tourism industry?
Posted inMichigan Government
New Flint water prosecutors face a skeptical hometown crowd
The state’s new prosecution team delivered a scathing rebuke of how the investigation was handled by former Attorney General Bill Schuette. But their promises to deliver justice for the people of Flint were greeted by skepticism and even grief.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Calling Michigan teachers! How would you improve 3rd-grade reading skills?
Michigan’s young students continue to struggle with basic reading proficiency. What would Michigan teachers do differently if they were in charge of state education policy?
Posted inTalent & Education
Reader FAQ: Does Michigan Lottery money really go to schools?
Michiganders often express skepticism that state lottery money earmarked for schools actually goes to, you know, schools. Bridge offers insight to the most frequently asked lottery conspiracy theories.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
From Michigan Truth Tour: Fix our schools and roads, end partisan games
The Center for Michigan heard from 23,000 people across the state in 2018 on what they want from lawmakers, and what they don’t. Now, we’re talking your views to every legislator in Lansing and to the governor’s office.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
The Michigan Truth Tour in 18 pictures
A peek at what it’s like to speak with over 8,000 people statewide in one year – all with a puppy in tow.
Posted inQuality of Life
Federal shutdown gets real in Beer City: Michigan summer ales in jeopardy
This year’s new seasonal brews may never hit the shelf, and some smaller breweries along West Michigan’s “Ale Trail” fear their openings may be at risk. Thanks, Washington!
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan approves recreational marijuana. What you need to know.
Here’s what you can – and cannot – do now that voters have overwhelmingly approved recreational marijuana
Posted inMichigan Government
Who is funding the fight over a redistricting proposal in Michigan
Each side in the battle over partisan gerrymandering has brought in national money for their campaigns. That’s where the similarities end.